UC-NRLF 


B    3    Sfll    523 


"^ 


7" 


-N  .V-:  »>'~><'*  -»'-- 


NO.  4.         TALES  OF  THE  REVOLFTir. 


U^^ 


nnCE,  ONE  SIIIIUNG. 


ASPEB  CROWE. 


BY 


JOHN    H.>  MANrUR 


CHRISTINE,' ""ALDA  GREY,"— "THE  DESERTER, 

"HENRI  QUATRE;  OR.  THE  DAYS  OF  THE 

LEAGUE,"  &c..  &c.,  <fec. 


ia^ 


iSTiJir    YORK; 
WILLIAM  H.  COLYER,  No.  5  HAGUE-STREET. 

BURGESJ^  '^-.  STRINGER,  No.  2Vi  Broadway,  corner  of  Ann-street.  SUN  <^FFICE, 
Sorulh  Wet  I  corner  of  Nassan  a->d  Fulton  strttts  SAXTON  «&  MILES.  203 
Broaiwtij  GI<  A  HAM  &  CHlvISTIE,  Asior  Hou.fe,  Broad.way  G.  B.  ZlEBER  & 
Co..  J.'J?.  rOi.'>N,  Philaddjtkm.  C  H  BRAhNAKD  &  Co.,  SAXTON, 
PHIUCE,  &  \'u  ,  J>)RDAN  «t  (Jo..  ,in<i  REDDING  di  Co.,  Bostcn.  N.  HICK^ 
MA.NV  »n<l  WiLIa'AM   TAYi.OR,   HaUimore. 

18  4  3. 


iy*.'>^<;i^ii>inttf"' ■■*':^'-?'i^4e-^-5ri'yu# 


!li^ 


f^m 


NOTICE. 

The  favour  wiih  which  *' Christine,"' and  "The  I^osi  :!er,"  have  l.  >; 
received  by  the  Piil)lic,  induces  the  Author  to  persevtrti  ia  his  original  de- 
sign of  issuing  a  series  of  narrratives  ilhistrative  of  the  Rkvolltion.  Each 
number  will  complete  a  narration  ;  though  for  the  convenience  of  those  who 
may  be  desirous  of  binding  the  series,  the  pages  will  be  numbered  conse- 
cutively, and  a  general  title-Jiage  furnished  with  tlie  concluding  number. 


[Enthbed,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the 
year  1643,  by 

William  H.  Colter, 
in  the  Clerk's  OHice  of  the  Southern  District  of 
Kew  York.] 


JASPER    CROWE. 


CHAPTER  L 

C.PTUN  J.B..ONSKY,  a  Polc  by  birth,  commanded  a  company 
in^^Xs.an  veganem  of  ^-P-^!'  ^j-^;^/^!^::::! 
„iliprs  in  the  town  of  Trenton,  on  the  Dclauare.  lie  vva>  a 
5  ,  ,.  .howy  officer,  a  year,  or  ttiore,  on  the  jnventle  ..de  of 
to  "lU-  thl  generaht/of  hi.  oonntrymet,  an  excellent  itn- 
ffaiJ-brave,  hamlsome,  and  somewhat  reck.es.. 

At  the  neriod  when   our  narrative    opens— early  on   Chl^.s,- 
1 ,  '^^f  the  vear  of  Grace,  one  thousand  seven  htindred 
'"'l'""°v  ,;,v  sx    a^id  of  Independence,  the  primal   year-lhe 
^Ite^rSiTn^cVlly^halte..^ 

S;:K:^X  Sa:;  t^^afv^s  or  n.;e  ,mf«.nce 
to  ll,°siro,iger  party-without  tnconvemctce  to,  or  c>oud.n„, 
the  ,«iohty  men-lf-war  «'"> --'"'-^J?:^  Knipslatch,  an 

msmmm 

^™  lt:r;,\*d  :7ew  coppeTcolns,  on  ccnd.tion  of  he.ng  show. 


would  save 

hi 

the  way 


16 

95564.8 


194  JASPER   CROWE. 

■•Thfey- p'&'SsdJ  'tl.'C  fpiirket-place,  where  ihe  Hessian  nrlillery 
was  deposited,  under  proteciion  from  the  weather,  and  turned 
down  a  street  on  the  left-hand.  Tlie  roar  of  water  was  now 
audible  ;  pleasant  to  llie  ear  on  a  wairn,  snmmer  night,  bnt  dis- 
mal in  the  extreme,  in  winter,  to  a  stranger  uncertain  of  the  way, 
uncertain  of  lodging,  or  enlertainment. 

"  Is  what  you  call — old  Crowe  the  miser—rich  ?"  asked  the 
captain,  growing  weary  of  the  cold,  dark  street. 

"  Yes,  sir  !"  replied  the  boy. 

"  And  plenty  of  good  Christmas-store  in  the  house?" 

"  No,  sir,"  answered  the  urchin:  "he  keeps  it  so  long,  that 
he's  obliged  to  throw  it  away.  Uncle  borrowed  two  score  of 
eggs,  and  they  weie  all  rotten.  Old  Crowe  wanted  the  same 
number  of  good  ones  back,  and  Uncle  vvouldn\  do  it — so  tliey 
went  lo  law " 

" Has  Old  Crowe  any  children  ?"  demanded  Jablonsky, 

lo  whom  the  prospect  was  gloomy,  and  who  began  to  waver  in 
his  desire  of  l)eaiuig  np  the  miser's  quarters,  and  to  entertain  a 
desire  of  returning  to  the  guard-house  for  a  guide  toKnipslalch's 
location. 

"  There's  Mary  Crowe,"  said  the  lad  ;  ''  he  has  no  other  chil- 
dren ;  and  I  have  not  seen  her  for  many  days.'* 

'J'he  prospect  of  seeing  Mary  Crowe  was  rather  enticing,  as 
by  farther  replies,  which  he  drew  from  the  boy,  he  learned  that 
she  was  accounted,  in  the  neighboiyhood,  a  beauty,  and  that  her 
age  did  not  exceed  seventeen. 

Meanwhile  the  noise  of  rushing  waters  grew  louder  ;  it  pro- 
ceeded fr()m  the  Assanpink  creek,  whose  stream,  after  turning  a 
mill,  discharges  itself  into  the  Delaware,  forming  a  boundary — 
on  the  east — to  the  town  of  Trenton.  Jablonsky  now  knew  his 
position,  as  the  bridge  over  the  creek  was  guarded  by  sentinels 
from  his  own  company.  The  boy  turned  sharply  to  the  right, 
down  a  retired  street  which  ran  parallel  with  the  Delaware,  the 
murmur  of  whose  rapids,  breaking  over  rocks,  near  the  opposite 
shore,  came  feebly  lo  the  car. 

"  That's  the  house,  sir,"  cried  the  young  guide,  pointing  to  an 
ancient  stone  edifice;  and  runnin<j  off  home,  he  left  the  captain 
to  make  the  most  of  th^  information. 

Jablonsky  could  trace,  through  ihe  gloom,  the  outlines  of  a 
large  homestead,  occupying  two  sides  of  a  square,  or  quadran- 
gle :  the  gable  end  of  one  fronted  the  street.  A  piazza,  or 
covered  gallery — or  to  use  the  old  Dutch  term,  stoupe,  extpnded 
along  the  walls  of  both  angles  of  the  building,  with  a  flight  of 
steps  into  the  area,  which  was  laid  out  as  a  garden.  Behind 
ran  the  broad  river,  at  the  distance  of  a  rod  or  two;  the  old  house 
standing  on  an  elevation  not  many  feet  above  the  surface  of  the 
stream. 

There  appeared  several  avenues  through  which  admittance 
was  gained.     One  approach  led  up  to  the  stoupe,  another  under- 


JASPER    CROWE.  195 

neath  it,  a  door  in  the  basement  of  the  gablc-fiont  promised  a 
tliird  ;  but  unfortunately  for  our  captain,  liie  outer  gaiden  gale 
was  locked. 

"  Now  for  it!"  cried  Jablonsky,  "Knipslalch  or  no  Knipslaich! 
— Mary  Crowe  or  no  Mary  Crowe — supper,  or — the  devil  !" 

And  siezing,  witli  both  hands,  the  gale,  lie  shook  it  so  violent- 
ly, that — miser's  gate  as  it  was — it  parted  irom  ihe  old  rusted 
hinges,  Tlie  noise  of  this  procedure  brought  forth,  from  beneatU 
the  piazza,  an  old  woman,  exclaiming — 

"  Tuusend  teufeln  !  wer  isl  da  /"' 

Recognizing  the  voice  of  Diana  (iroots,  camp-sutiler  to  Knip- 
slatch's  regiment,  and  an  especial  good  cook,  he  knew  the  house 
lo  be  his  friend's  quarters,  and  replying  to  the  beldame's  invectives 
in  her  native  language,  bade  her  hold  her  tongue,  bring  a  ligiit, 
and  lead  him  to  the  count's  apariment. 

Jablonsky  found  every  thing  prepared  for  his  reception.  A 
blazing  fire  on  the  hearth,  a  table  on  which  stood  several  kinds 
of  wines  and  liquors,  a  rcjw  of  large-bowled  pipes,  or  meerschaums, 
a  vacant  chair,  and  a  trio  of  mililary  companions  waited  on  l)y  a 
regimental  servant.  All  these  appliances  lo  liilarity — in  ihe  ab- 
sence of  Mary  Crowe,  witli  whose  charms  he  had  been  teazing 
his  imagination — were  very  consolatory. 

( )f  the  guests,  by  whom  he  was  cordially  received,  the  chief 
in  rank  shall  have  first  description.  Major  Count  Knipslatch,  of 
the  Rahl-regiment  of  Hessians,  was  an  impoverished  German 
nobleman.  His  person,  like  his  forlunes,  evinced  premature  de- 
cay; though  numbering  scarcely  fifty  y^ars,  his  hair  was  blanch- 
ed, his  frame  atienuaied;  finocrs  lon^  and  bony.  Of  his  face, 
the  strongest  peculiarity  was  a  pair  of  large  prominent  grey  eyes, 
gleaming  at  times  rather  wildly,  which,  in  addition  to  thin,  v\hite 
locks  which  from  his  lempk^s  (instead  of,  as  locks  ouoln  to 
do,  hanging  smoothly  down  the  clieek),  siitfened  and  projected, 
as  though  under  electric  influence,  and  gave  our  count  an  odd, 
eccentric,  even  affrighted  aspect.  Next  him,  nearer  the  fire,  sat 
Captain  Fagel,  whose  features  were  intelligent,  but  cold  and  self- 
ceniered ;  a  striking  contrast  to  the  frolicsome,  mischievous 
(though  not  malicious)-looking  face  of  his  opposite  companion. 
Ensign  Schulz. 

Jablonsky  took  his  seat  at  the  table,  opposite  Knipslatch,  and 
remarking  the  melancholy  Gaze  of  the  latter,  rallied  liini  on  his 
temperament.  Why  not  (he  asked)  have  in  Mary  Crowe,  the 
young  beauty  ?  Surely  slie  would  drive  away  every  trace  of 
sorrow. 

"Mary  Crowe!"  echoed  Capt.  Fagel,  with  a  start,  "who  is  she?" 

"Oh  !  oh  !"  uttered  Jablonsky,  with  significant  tone  and  ges- 
ture, "then  I  am  free  to  the  claret  and  cognac,  but  this  little 
peach-blossom,  Mary  Crowe,  you  keep  simg  to  yourselves!  The 
secret  is  well  preserved  for  three  of  you  ;  but  it  is  strange  yon 
have  not  quarrelled,  and  made  the  jewel  known." 
16* 


196  JASPER    CROWE. 

"  Jewel  !  jewel!  nonsense,"  rejoined  Fagel,  "  we  liave  no  bid- 
den jewel  here,  unless  our  scientific,  visionary  fiiend  lias  dis- 
covered ihe  philosopiier's  stone." 

*'  Our  hos;*s  name  is  Crowe,"  observed  Knipslatch,  with  a 
quiet,  hesitating  tone,  which  convinced  Jablon^ky  ilial  the  maid- 
en's existence  was  unknown  to  his  friends  ;  "  but  surely  he  has 
no  daughter  or  niece  ;  indeed,  there  is  no  woman  in  tlie  house.'* 

"  Why,  v.iiat's  ])iana  (Jroots  ?"  ciied  Ensign  Schulz. 

"Ah!  Dian,"  observed  Knipslatch,  with  a  melancholy  smile, 
"  she  was  christened  as  one  of  the  softer  sex,  and  is  one,  I  sup- 
pose ;  b\itlet  her  alone,  we  ouirht  not  to  disparage  any  one  who 
can  dish  up  a  good  mess  in  these  barbarous  wilds." 

"  Disparage  her  I"  eclioed  Jablon^ky,  "  none  here  would  do 
that,  though  I  thought  just  now  she  would  have  broken  my  head 
for  making  free  with  ihe  gale.  It's  odd  you  have  never  seen 
Mary  Crowe.  I'll  describe  her.  She's  seventeen  years  old, 
rather  short,  but  with  a  beautifully  proportioned  figure,  nimble 
and  rather  mischievous,  as  light  bodies  often  are.  Complexion 
and  colour  of  the  hair  I  know  not,  for  in  truth,  gentlemen,  1  have 
not  seen  her,  and  my  informant  ran  away  too  quick  for  me  to 
learn."  "... 

'i'he  grave,  deliberate  shake  of  the  head  with  which  Knip- 
slatch accompanied  his  confession  of  ignoraiice  of  ]\lary  Crowe, 
set  every  one  laughing. 

"  Franz,  have  ?/ow  seen  such  a  being?"  demanded  Fagel,  ad- 
dressing the  soldier,  who  sat  smoking  in  one  corner,  at  a  respect- 
ful distance  from  his  superiors. 

"  No  lady  in  the  house,  raeinherr,  but  Frau  Groots,"  replied 
the  man,  who,  on  hearing  the  question,  started  up,  removed  ihc 
pipe  from  his  month,  placed  his  hand  to  iiis  forehead,  uttered 
.what  he  bad  to  sav  with  precision,  and  then  reversing  the  afore- 
mentioned operations,  sal  down  again. 

"The  ffirl  is  no  ilouljt  hidden  in  the  house,"  remarked  Fagel. 
"The  old  fellow  knows  that  none  of  us  can  speak  his  cursed 
tongue;  but  with  you  here,  Jablonsky,  we'll  give  him  an  aleit. 
Confound  the  rascal !  Franz,  go  you  and  lead  up  the  old  man,  and 
after  you  have  brouglit  him  in,  icturn,  lock  up  al!  the  outer  doors, 
and  fetch  a  lantern." 

The  man  put  down  his  pipe  and  departed. 

"And  now  wc  have  an  interpreter,"  said  Knipslatch,  "  ITcrr 
Crovi'e  shall  give  me  a  sufficient  reason  why  he  cantrnt  substi- 
tute a  piece  of  glass,  in  the  broken  casement,  tor  the  old  worsted 
stuckinu.  I  cannot  understand  the  customs  cif  these  Americans. 
The  slocking  is  convenient  in  summer,  to  let  in  air." 

"  Nevermind  the  stocking,"  cried  .laMonsky,  interrupting  him, 
"you  shall  join  us  in  the  search  after  Mary  Crowe." 


JASPER   CUOWE.  197 


CHAPTER  IL 


Fr\nz  presently  relurned,  leading  by  the  arm,  an  old  ma  , 
who  appeared  to  have  been  broiighi  much  against  his  will,  and 
wbose  looks  betrayed  alarm  and  agitation.  In  the  clutches  of 
these  tyrants  of  the  hour,  Jasper  Crowe  nriight  deserve  our  pity, 
but  in  other  respects,  lie  was  far  from  being  entitled  to  it.  He 
Iiad  been  left,  by  his  father,  possession  of  a  fair  fortune,  and — 
though  an  old-fashioned — one  of  the  largest,  and  best,  houses  in 
Trenton-  His  fortune,  by  extreme  parsimony,  had  increased 
three-fold,  but  the  stately  stone  edifice — one  oT  tlie  most  inter- 
esting specimens  of  the  earher  Dutch  style,  of  the  more  substan- 
tial kind — he  had  suffered  to  fall  partially  into  dilapidation.  The 
garden  and  grounds  were  one  overgrown  nest  of  weeds  and  rub- 
bish ;  a  row  of  poplars,  on  the  mjvrgin  of  the  Delaware,  which 
once  lent  both  shnde  and  picturesque  effect  to  the  homestead, 
and  which  threw  their  long  shadovvs  on  the  rippling  wave,  had 
successively  disappeared  beneiith  the  strokes  of  the  axe,  merely 
to  save  the  expense  of  carting  fuel  from  more  distant  woods  and 
enclosures.  The  house  now  stood  bare  and  lonely  ;  within,  the 
plastered  walls  and  ceilings,  crumbled  daily,  momently — like  the 
sand  of  an  hour-glass  recording  Time's  passage — without,  the 
wooden  stoupe,  or  gallery,  for  lack  of  paint,  was  changed  to  the 
colour  of  sandstone;  for  want  of  repair,  was  rickety  and  peiilous- 
Soon  as  his  daughter  v.^as  of  an  age  to  undertake  household  afftxirs 
{her  mother  had  been  dead  many  years)  Jasper  Crowe  sold  his 
female  slave,  made  his  daughter  perform  (wuh  occasional  aid)  all 
the  menial  labour,  and  congratulated  himself,  that  there  was  ono 
mouth  the  less  to  provide  for.  Mary  with  attractions,  personal 
and  mental — such  as  were  reported  to  the  chance  ear  of  Jablon- 
sky — excited  the  syn^pnihy  and  consideration  of  neighbours,  and 
had  she  heen  gifted  with  a  lesser  share  of  filial  obedience,  or 
weaker  notions  of  dutv,  would  have  accepted  one  of  many  offers 
to  quit  the  desolate  house,  and  harsh  serviiwde,  for  a  pleasant 
home,  and  congenial  society.  But  other  reasocs  apart,  she  knew 
that  if  she  fi)rsook  her  faiher,  he  would  take  no  one  in  her  stead; 
and  she  feared  that  in  his  loneliness,  he  might  fail  sick,  and  lan- 
guish without  help,  or  perchance  become  the  prey  of  robber  or 
assassin. 

Deprived  of  all  claim  to  our  sympathy,  by  his  conduct,  neither 
did  his  appearance — even  in  the  grasp  of  Franz,  in  the  hands  of 
mercenary  spoilers,  who  sold  their  blood  to  one  country  to  enable 
it  to  perpetuate  the  servitude  of  another — create  prepossession  in 
his  favour.  There  was  a  lurking  cunning  in  the  expression  of 
the  face,  together  with  an  affectation  of  extremity  of  ft>ar,  which 
the  occasion  did  not  warrant — for  he  knew  not  tlie  object  of  the 
•summons — which  excluded  every  lingering  sentiment  of  respect 
from  the  breasts  of  his  military  inquisitors. 


198  JASPER    CROWE. 

At  ihe  command  of  Kiiipslalcb,  he  was  led  to  ihe  bottom  of 
the  table. 

"  Ilerr  Crowe  !'*  uttered  the  count,  in  a  solemn  tone  of  adju- 
ration. 

''  Heaven  preserve  yon,  sir  !"  exclaimed  Jasper,  forgetting  that 
his  language  would  nut  be  understood  by  the  party  to  whom  it 
was  addressed.  "  I  could  not  help  it.  J  am  a  poor  man — a  very 
poor  man.  l^el  the  woman  say  what  she  will,  1  had  no  potatoes 
in  the  house,  nor  had  1  luonev  lo  buy  any." 

Jablonsky  bursl  into  a  fit  of  laughter,  in  which  ihe  others 
joined,  afier  lisiening  to  an  interpretation.  There  had  been — as 
was  made  known  to  the  Pole — a  mighty  quarrel  that  morning, 
in  the  kiichen,  between  Diana  Groots  and  Jasper.  Diana  found 
means  to  make  the  old  miser  understand  that  she  must,  and  would, 
iiave  a  supply  of  jjotaloes  for  the  officer's  table  ;  a  demand  which 
Jasper,  wMih  all  the  dumb  eloquence  i)e  was  master  of,  encea- 
•voured  to  convince  her,  he  was  unable  to  meet.  To  save  his 
head,  as  well  as  end  the  dispute  (for  the  chaste  Dian  was  as  nim- 
ble with  her  hands  as  with  her  tongue),  he  forsook  the  field  of 
battle,  and  sought  refuge  in  his  chamber.  The  mess  was  con- 
sequently served  without  vegetables — for  our  Hessians  were  not 
fond  of  buying,  if  by  any  means  they  could  avoid  it  ;  perhaps 
they  had  been  taught  that  laying  out  money  among  the  rebels  was 
strengthening  the  enemy. 

Fagel,  who  was  apprehensive  tiiat  Knipslatch  would  put  Ja- 
blonsky on  any  scent  but  the  right  one,  immediiitely  proposed  that 
the  latier  should  endeavour  to  wrest  the  old  man's  secret  from 
liim.     Jablonsky  willingly  undertook  the  task. 

"  Mr.  Jasper  Crowe,"  began  the  captain  in  a  serious  tone,  "  I 
am  sorry  to  find  you  are  a  most  consummate  rogue." 

The  old  man  started,  and  changed  colour,  on  hearing  himself 
addressed  in  his  own  language  ;  but  recovering  self-possession, 
replied  with  a  deep  show  of  liumdily,  and  affected  earnestness, 
that  what  he  had  spoken  was  the  truth — he  was  a  needy  man. 

"  And  you  would  have  me  believe,"  continued  the  Pole,  "that 
you  have  no  secret  storehouse,  where  what  is  reqttired  for  the 
table  of  my  friends  might  be  found  in  plenty,  if  we  knew  where 
lo  look  for  it?" 

On  his  honour  (the  old  man  affirmed  with  solemnity)  every- 
thing he  had  was  at  the  service  of  the  gentleman,  and  he  had  no- 
thing concealed  ! 

"  And  you  arc  too  poor  to  replace  the  broken  casements,  by 
which  my  friend  is  pinched  with  cold,  even  while  he  lays  in 
bed  ?" 

Look  at  the  house,  inside  and  out,  rejoined  the  culprit,  the 
garden,  the  dilapidated  walls,  and  rotten  fences;  rdl  U)us!  con- 
vince the  honourable  fjcnlleman,  (if  he  mistrusted  words)  how 
indigent  were  his  circninsiances  ! 

"Now,  on  the   contrary,  I  believe,"  leplicd  Jablonsky,  "that 


•  JASPER    CROWE.  199 

if  we  tried,  we  should  find  a  store  of  potatoes;  and  in  the  search 

we  should  discover  tlie  hiding  place  of your  daughter,  Mary 

Cro\^e!" 

This  severe,  unexpected  stroke  staggered  Jasper  so  completely, 
that  he  fell  back  several  paces  ;  changing  from  pale  to  red  by 
turns,  and  staring  stupidly,  the  while,  at  the  imperturbable  coun- 
tenance of  Jablonsky.  The  latter  kept  his  eye  intently  fixed  on 
ihe  miser,  determined  to  afford  no  respite. 

"  You  do  not  answer,"  said  he. 

"I — T — T  could  borrow  a  few  bushel  from  a  neighbour,  may- 
be," observed  the  old  man,  in  a  hesitating  voice,  as  though  lie 
were  not  quite  certain  that  he  could  accomplish  what  he  hinted. 

"  Damn  the  bushels,"  uttered  Jablonsky  quickly,  "you  shall 
borrow  a  whip,  and  Franz  shall  use  it." 

"If  there's  a  storekeeper  in  Trenton  who  will  credit  me  for 
the  glass,"  cried  Jasper,  affecting  the  utmost  despair,  "I  could 
put  it  in  with  my  own  hands." 

"  Not  while  ihey  shake  so,  you  giriit-conscious  rascal,"  cried 
Jablonsky,  rather  at  a  loss  for  an  epithet  in  English.  "So  you 
will  not  sav  where  we  can  find  your  daughter?" 

The  miser,  whilst  answering  aside  from  the  main  question, 
was  all  the  while  cudgelling  his  brains  how  to  parry  the  attack  ; 
and  now  that  the  question  was  put  in  a  direct  shape,  replied,  with 
apparent  candour,  that  the  geiuleman  must  be  much  mistaken  in 
supposing  that  he  had  any  reason,  or  desire,  to  conceal  where  his 
daughter  Vv-as  staying  :  since  the  commencement  of  the  troubles 
which  agitated  the  province,  she  had  taken  refuge  with  a  kins  - 
woman,  in  Philadelphia. 

"  Do  not  deal  too  harshly  by  the  old  man,"  remarked  Knip- 
slatch,  who  judged  by  the  trembling  of  Jasper,  atid  the  stern 
voice  of  his  inquisitor,  that  they  were  at  issue.  "  Point  out  the 
enormity  of  which  he  is  guiky,  in  the  miserably  shabby  style  in 
which  lie  conducts  his  house.  Nothing  fit  for  a  genlletnan  to 
eat,  not  a  room  fit  for  a  gentleman  to  sleep  in  !  Tell  him,  in  the 
name  of  us  all,  thai  if  he  will  reinstate  this  little  damsel  at  the 
head  of  his  establishment,  we  will  freely  forgive  him  the  past, 
for  srike  of  the  prospect  of  future  comfort." 

"You  miserable  skinflint!  hear  what  I  say,"  cried  Jablonsky, 
addressing  the  miser,  "  if  in  fifteen   minutes   from  the   present- 
Mary  Crowe,  with  her  own  hands — for  I  know  she  is  cor.cealec^. 
in  the  house,  or  close  by — puts  on  the  table   a  broiled  bone  or 
mutton,  all  your  past  ofTences  shall  be  overlooked." 

"  Good  Heavens,  sir!"  exclaimed  Jasper,  with  clasped  hands, 
"  what  can  I  do  or  say,  to  convince  you  that  my  daughter  is  in 
Phil.idelphia  ?"  "  :,. 

"  Help  us  in  searching  the  house,"  replied  Jablonsky,  rising, 
"and  in  good  time,  here  comes  Franz  wiili  a  couple  of  lanterns." 

Having  explained  to  his  friends,  that  he  could  draw  no  con- 
fession from   the  culprit,  but  that  he  was   nevertheless  satisfied, 


1^ 


200  JASPER    CROWE. 

from  the  replfcs,  and  more  particularly  from  die  manner  of  Jas- 
per Croue,  ihal  his  daughter  was  much  nearer  Trenton  than  he 
affirmcd  her  lo  be,  he  proposed  insiilulinff  a  rigid  search. 

"  I  enlirel\'  ajrree  in  the  propriety  of  it,"^  said  Knipslatch,  "for 
should  I  meet  the  damsel  unawares  at  night,  I  might  mistake  her 
for  a  ghost  or  spectre.  Our  family,  for  eleven  generations,  have 
been  gifted,  or  cursed,  with  the  sight  of  visions." 

"  But  xMarv  Crowe,  if  you  should  be  fortunate  enough  to  meet 
her,  is  a  warm  reality,  not  a  vision,"  cried  Schulz. 

"I  would  raiber  not  meet  anything  wne.^cc/erf,"' remarked  the 
Count,  in  a  lone  which  insinuated  more  than  met  the  ear. 

It  was  agreed  that  exploration  should  commence  from  the 
basement  upward.  Jasper  was  con&igned  to  the  n)orc  particular 
charge  of  Fran3,  ahhon'gh  he  was  under  the  general  surveillance 
of  all.  The  cehars,  and  kitchen,  were  what  is  termed  under- 
ground ;  the  former  exhibited  a  sad  array  of  empty  and  broken 
flour-barrels,  with  a  few — and  but  a  few — well  plenishcd.  A 
miserable  stock  (under  straw)  of  partially  dried  apples,  wiihercd 
cabbages,  grisly  and  forlorn,  suspended  by  strings  from,  the  roof, 
typical  of  a  wretch's  fate,  but  no  Mary  Crowe  !  Jn  the  chimney- 
corner  of  the  vast,  stone-paved  kitchen,  sat  Dian,  of  dubious  sex^^ 
chattering  to  herself.  The  adjoining  closets,  and  offices,  every 
nook  and  corner,  "buttress  and  coigne  of  vantace,"  were  searclied 
for  the  lost  Mary,,  in  vain.  The  oracle  in  the  chimney-corner 
■was  next  applied  Iso,  but  no  response,  either  enigmatical,  or  other- 
wise, was  elicited  which  threw  any  light  on  the  search.  There 
"were  strange  noises,  it  is  true  ;  strange  j^hadows  oft  flitted  across 
the  eye,  in  the  sombre  realm  over  which  Dian  presided;  but  huge 
rats  which  souaht  change  of  scene  from  their  holes,  on  the  banks 
of  broad  Delaware,  in  an  occasional  "  passage-at-arms"  with  a 
pair  of  fierce  cats,  which  Jasper  did  not.  keep,  but  gave  a  sort  of 
permission  to  occupy  the  "  hunting  grounds"  in  the  basement  of 
Crowe  Hall,  fully,,  in  the  opinion  of  the  sage  Groots,  accounted 
for  pvery  variety  of  noise^or  vision,  she  heaid,  ©r  beheld. 

The  floor  above — the  principal  floor — opening  on  the  piaz?^,. 
was  next  explored.  The  ordinary  mess-room,  which  they  had 
just  quilted,  needed  no  inquisition  ;  the  adjoining  apartment  (the 
conni's  sleeping  chamber)  would  have  been  likewise  passed,  as 
gratuitous  waste  of  time,  by  the  noble  occupant,  had  not  his  com- 
panions remonstrated.  Their  own  rooms  were  to  luidergo  in- 
spection ;  why  sht'uld  he  claim  exemption  for  his  quarters  ?  A 
nian,  loo,  whose  family,  and  probably  himself,  saw  visions  in  the 
night  tinne  \ 

There  was,  IfoU'cver,  no  vision  of  Mary  Crowe — at  least  to 
the  inquisitors  ;  and  they  were  fain,  after  a  few  more  insinuations 
(for  ihey  Ibvcd  to  p?ay  on  the  peculiar  fancies  of  the  Count),  to 
give  <ip  search  in  liis  apartment.  Ere  they  quitted  it,  JCnipslatch 
takiiij;  Jaspor  l)y  the  ear,  lugged  hiiu  to  the  broken  caseiuonts^ 
poinicd  out  the  apertures,  and  read  a  lecture  which, unfortunate- 


JASPER    CROWE.  201 

ly,  was  uniiilelligible,  as  Jablonskv  liad  no  patience  to  inter- 
pret it.  Two  other  rooms,  on  the  same  floor,  occupied  by 
Fagel  and  k^chnlz,  were  successively  explored,  with  similar 
result ;  from  whence  ihe  party  ascended  above.  After  inves- 
tigating several  unoccupied  chainbcrs,  with  closets,  they  came,  at 
the  end  of  one  angle  of  the  building,  to  the  apartment  of  Jasper 
Crowe,  who  was  the  only  one  sleeping  on  that  floor;  for  Diana 
would  not  mount  beyond  her  peculiar  region,  and  Franz,  as  an 
out-post  to  prevent  surprise,  slept  in  a  closet  near  the  hall  door. 

The  miser's  room  underwent  thorough  scrutiny  ;  there  might 
be,  it  was  surmised,  concealed  closets,  or  pantries.  iSome  old- 
fashioned,  staring  portraits  were  displaced,  but  disclosed  naught 
behind  save  the  hard  wall.  As  Fagel  closed  a  cup-board  door, 
whose  interior  he  had  inspected,  he  accidentally  caught  the  eye 
of  the  miser,  whose  face  exliibiied  a  remarkable  change. 

There  is,  then,  a  mysiery  in  iliat  cupboard,  thought  the  Hes- 
sian !  He  made  kno'vn  his  suspicion,  and  the  circumstance  which 
gave  birth  to  it.  The  cupboard,  which  was  very  spacious,  was 
again  inspected  minutely. 

"Ah!"  cried  Jablonsky,  from  the  interior,  "I  see  the  villany!" 

From  beneath  a  heap  of  old  clothes,  he  turned  out  a  loi  of 
apples,  egfTS,  a  botile  of  wine,  the  cork  undrawn,  and  a  cooked 
fowl,  of  which  only  one  leg  had  been  eaten.  This  secret  depo- 
sitary of  provender  was,  then,  the  cause  of  Jasper's  agitation. 

"  Here  is  ingralUude  and  shameful  inhospiiality,"  cried  Knip- 
slatch  ;  "  the  man  who  pleads  such  dire  poverty,  that  he  cannot 
furnish  his  guests  with  potatoes,  can  aflord,  in  secret,  to  feast 
in  this  style  !  Herr  Crowe  !  Herr  Crowe  !  you  do  not  deserve 
to  have  gentlemen  quartered  upon  you  !" 

Spite  of  the  imputation,  it  is  more  than  probable,  that  Mr.  Jas- 
per Crowe  would  have  been  content  to  bear  any  degree  of  moral 
degradation,  in  the  eyes  of  his  visitors,  on  condition  of  their  tak- 
ing umbrage,  and  taking  themselves  away.  In  fact,  he  appeared 
more  cheerful  after  the  discovery  of  his  secret  larder  than  before; 
and  accompanied  the  guests  to  the  floor  above,  with  a  step  of 
alacrity  which  rather  surprised  his  conductor,  Franz. 

The  region  into  which  they  now  ascerided,  was  one  vast  loft 
covering  the  extent  of  both  angles  of  the  buildinfj.  The  floor  was 
of  rough  planking,  the  rafters  overhead  unceiled,  but  the  roof 
sloping  from  the  centre,  carried  off"  the  rain,  and  the  walls  at  each 
extremity  were  lathed  and  coated  with  plaster,  to  protect  the  in- 
terior from  the  weather,  as  also  were  the  side-walls,  which,  ow- 
ing to  tlie  slope  of  the  roof,  rose  scarcely  three  feet  from  the 
floor.  The  furniture  cf  this  uarret  reminded  the  Hessians  of  the 
cellar  and  its  contents,  of  which,  indeed,  it  was  a  coimterpart,  or 
to  particularize  a  slight  variety,  we  may  remark  sundry  ropes  of 
onions,  of  which  none  were  oliservalile  in  the  lower  regions. 

"Our  search  is  ended,"  said  the  Count,  with  a  melancholy 
gaze  around  the  drear  waste  ;  "  let  us  descend;  I  am  quite  ready 
for  what  Diana  may  liave  prepared." 


202  JASPER    CROWE. 

"  Stay  !  stay  !"  cried  Fawel,  who  was  excessively  displeased 
that  the  exploration  provcti  bootless.  A  libertine  in  his  own 
country,  a  lawless  proflioate  in  the  land  lie  was  overninnin;^,  the 
liope  of  discovering,  in  his  own  quarters,  such  a  damsel  as  fame 
rejjorted  Mary  Crowe,  was  exciting,  in  the  extieirie,  to  his  vitiated 
imasinalion. 

"  Stav  !  gentlemen,"  he  continued,  "  a  dove-cot  on  the  roof 
would  hold  such  a  bird  as  we  seek.  Who  knows  what  may  be 
above  ?" 

And  he  glanced  kpcnly  at  Jasper,  to  observe  the  effect  of  his 
remark  ;  but  tlie  miser  bore  the  glance  unflinching.  A  ladder  was 
at  hand,  and  our  inquisitive  adventurer  ascending,  stood  with  head 
an!  shoulders  above  the  outer  roof. 

"  What  saw  you  ?"  asked  Jablonsky,  with  a  smile,  when  Fa- 
gel  descended. 

"  Noihing  but  the  American  camp-fires  on  the  hills  beyond  the 
river,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Then  let's  away,  gentlemen,"  cried  the  Pole,  marshalling  his 
friends  down  stairs.  "  Fai^el's  trap  has  admitted  a  most  spite- 
ful zeph3'r.  I  feel  its  icv  wing  ever  and  anon  brushing  the  tip 
of  my  ear.     O  !  for  a  draught  of  Rudesheim  !  and  tlien — 

Ich  gehe,  rauhe  winde  wehn  ; 

VVillst  (Ju  mit  mir  ins  hullchen  gehn  1" 

His  companions  seizing  the  chorus,  clattered  down  to  the  mess- 
room  after  llieir  leader. 


CHAPTER  HI. 


The  Hessians  were  forced  to  acknovvledge  their  host  honora- 
bly acquitted  ;  there  was  not  a  shadow  of  evidence  to  sustain  the 
very  grave  charge — in  their  estimation — of  secreting  a  more  than 
ordinarily  pretty  girl  from  unhallowed  gaze.  Jasper  was  there- 
fore allowed  to  escape,  for  the  present,  on  condition  of  dividing 
with  Franz — in  fee  for  his  trouble — the  bottle  of  wine,  and  fowl, 
discovered  in  the  closet. 

Supper  passed  olf  in  the  mess-room — in  comparative  silence, 
for  the  discussion  of  either  dinner,  or  the  evening-meal,  is  ever  a 
serious  affair  with  Germans.  Jablonsky,  whose  volatile  temper- 
ament could  not  long  brook,  either  the  habitual  melancholy  of  llie 
count,  or  the  sullen  moodiness  of  Fagel,  (disap|)ninted  of  Ins  prey) 
otTered  a  hand  at  the  compounding  of  a  huae  bow  1  of  "  bishop" — 
a  warm  lucious  bever.ige,  in  which  red  wine,  and  s;)ice,  forni  the 
most  essential  condiments  ;  aficr  drinking  which — he  declared — 
Kmpslatch  would  be  in  condition  to  behold  visions,  as  palpably 
as  any  of  his  ancestry,  or  even — if  he  were  so  inclined — lo  raise 


JASPER    CROWE.  _  203 

his  ancestors  from  the  dark  world  to  which  their  spirits  had  flit- 
led  ;  Fagel  be  sent  to  bed,  to  dream  thai  he  was  no  long- 
er disappoinied,  and  friend  Schulz  should  be  so  thoroughly  "  in- 
forit)ed"  with  my!«tic  influence,  that  merely  donning  his  nightcap, 
would  confer  tlie  gift  of  seeinir,  even  in  such  a  hag  as  Diana 
Groois,  the  charms  of  the  famed  goddess  (her  namesake)  of  the 
heathen  world.  Jn  fine — concluded  the  Pole — he  would,  that 
night,  outdo  himself,  and  transport  his  friends  to  the  third  heaven. 
Talk  of  conjurois  and  wizards!  the  only  true  necromancy  lay  in 
the  knowledge  of  combining  ingredients,  in  such  rare  proportions, 
as  created  a  potent  compound,  whose  mystic  spell  wafted  the 
souls  of  aien  to  a  serener  world  ;  imparted  to  their  speech,  a  fa- 
cility, and  eloquence,  which  struck  the  ignorant  novice  with  awe 
and  wonder. 

"  Franz,"  added  the  speaker,  tnniing  to  the  orderly,  "  bring  me 
the  bottles,  the  phials,  tiie  spice-jars — and  what  you  have  not, 
obtain  from  head-quarters." 

Fortunately,  vviihaut  aid  from  the  cuisine  of  Colonel  Rahl, 
(commandant  of  Trenton)  the  bowl  was  prepared  without  omis- 
sion of  a  single,  essential  ingredient.  Its  flavour,  and  fragrance, 
was  applauded  even  by  the  dreamy,  specuhitive  Knipslaich. 

"  Confess  now,"  said  Jablonsky,  "  it  must  have  beei?  undert  he 
influence  of  sf)riies  which  lurk  beneath  the  surface  of  that  dark 
fluid,  over  which  the  blue  vapottr  wreaths  so  fantastically,  that 
your  ancestors  beheld  their  visions.  "  Why  should  I  confess 
against  firm  belief?"  demanded  the  count;  "  deride  it  as  you  may, 
but  I  do  assure  you,  that  I  have  both  seen,  and  heard  that,  which 
I  pray,  I  may  never  see;  or  hear,  again.  The  influence  which 
haunts  me,  may  be  friemlly — I  believe  it  is — fori  never  meet 
with  accident, or  casualty,  but  I  remember  its  l)avingbeen  preced- 
ed bv  some  extraordinary  appearance  or  token." 

"  But  how  happens  it,"  aslied  Fagel,  with  a  sly  glance  at  the 
Pole,  which  he  took  care  should  not  be  perceived  by  Knipslatch, 
"that  you  never  profit  by  these  tokens — indeed,  never  recall  them 
till  after  the  disaster  has  occu.rred  ?" 

"  I  have  often  asked  myself  that  question,"  replied  the  count 
with  an  air  of  deep  seriousness,  "  and  I  can  only  account  for  it 
by  my  extreme  terror,  which  disgusts  the  influence,  and  repels 
it,  ere  full  revelation  has  been  made.  My  ancestors  were  firmer- 
minded,  and  were  stonier  of  heart,  and  by  listenino;  to  the  dread 
oracle,  profiled.  But  I  !  craven  that  I  am  !  flee  from  it — shud- 
der at  its  approach — disgust  and  vex  it.  And  behold  !  I  am  wast- 
ed both  in  bodily  strength,  and  fortune.  Our  house  is  fast  sink- 
ing since  its  destinies  have  been  coinmitled  to  a  degenerate 
scion  1" 

As  the  count,  with  a  deep  sigh,  concluded  his  lament,  he  re- 
sorted, byway  of  consolation,  to  his  snnfl'-box.  It  was  a  hand- 
some gi)ld-box,  with  armorial  !)earinss  on  the  lid.  Glancing  for 
a  moment  at  the  insignia,  he  shook  his  head  despondingly. 


204  JASPER    CROWE. 

"  See,^  coniimied  he,  poinling  to  tlie  effigies,  "  on  that  canion, 
five  spolSjOr  marks  !  They  represent,  as  nearly  as  can  be  depict- 
ed, by  die  imperfect  symbols  of  heraldry,  the  impression  of  bloud- 
stained  fingers  on  a  cuirass.  'Tis  now  five  centuries  since  my 
great  ancestor,  lay  wounded  on  the  field  of  battle,  his  head  re- 
clining against  a  tree.  Me  was,  till  that  day,  only  of  knightly 
rank,  but  his  sovereign  passing  near  the  spot,  grateful  for  servi- 
ces rendered  in  the  fray,  placed  his  open  hand  on  the  warrior's 
breast,  saying,  '  Tlianks  !  sir  Baron  !  ihanks  for  this  day's  work.' 
The  king's  lingers  being  gory,  left  their  bloody  impress  on  the 
armour,  which  my  ancestor,  from  thai  lime,  assumed  in  his  es- 
cutcheon, as  a  distinct  charge. — Alas  !  with  me,  the  glory  of  our 
race  will  expire." 

"  Then  I  presume,"  remarked  Captain  Fagcl,  "  if  this  guardian 
angel,  or  demon,  be  consistent  in  its  conduct,  your  ancestor — 
who  was  so  remarkably  fortunate — showed  more  courage  than 
his  descendant,  on  Us  visits." 

Neither  Jablonuky,  nor  Schulz,  could  determine — j'ldging 
only  by  the  tone  in  which  this  was  uttered — whether  it  were 
spoken  sneeringly,  or  in  earnest. 

"  There  runs  in  our  family,  a  tradition — in  compliance  wiiJi  the 
unbelief  of  tlie  present  age,  I  will  use  no  stronger  term — "  ob- 
served Knipslaich,  who  was  too  deeply  absorbed  to  remark  the 
sneer,  if  one  were  intended — "  that  on  the  night  previous  to  the 
battle,  he  beheld  the  spirit  approach,  and  awaited  in  deep,  re- 
spectful silence,  the  token.  The  spirit  held  aloof  a  baron's  bald- 
rick.  "  Seek  it,"  uttered  the  spectre,  "  beyond  the  wood  of  Un- 
terwalden,"  and  disappeared.  Next  day,  my  ancestor  was  posted 
with  the  thicket  of  lliat  name,  on  his  flank  ;  he  recalled  the  words 
of  the  oracle,  and  wiih  his  troops  penetrated  through  the  wood. 
The  warning  was  prophetic  :  he  fell  in  with,  and  routed  an  am- 
buscade, which  WHS  lying  in  wait — till  the  general  engagement  of 
both  armies  should  commence — in  order  to  fall  on  his  rear.  lie 
was  wounded  in  the  melee,  but  lived  to  enjoy  the  honours  confer- 
red by  the  grateful  monarch." 

"  And  why,  faint-hearted  man,  should  you  despair !"  asked  .Ta- 
blonskv,"  are  you  not  in  the  high-road  to  future  honours — arc  you 
not — like  your  ancestor,  in  the  field  where  honour  may  bewon  ? 
Here  sit  we  on  Christmas-night,  around  this  jovial  bowl — but  ere 
many  weeks  are  past — nay  days — one  of  us,"  and  the  Pole  glanc- 
ed at  Knipslaich,  "  may  belisienirifrio  his  good  Cieniushow  lo  lurn 
the  dank  of  Washington,  and  lus  rebel-crew,  and  restore  the  wither- 
ed laurels  and  honours,  of  an  ancient  family." 

"  'Tis  too  late  !"  almost  shrieked  the  count  "  too  late  !  He 
came  last  night — T  averied  my  head,  and  fled  from  the  spot,  but 
I  saw  his  spiteful,  angry  glance.  He  warns  of  approaching  dan- 
ger, or  poiiUs  the  way  to  fortune,  lo  those  who  dare  stand  and  lis- 
ten, but  the  coward  who  flies,  he  threatens.  I  fear  my  doom  is 
fixed." 


JASPER    CROWE.  205 

FciEjel,  who  had  been  listening  attentively,  sometimes  smih'nc 
inwjiidly,  sometimes  in  deep  cooiiaiion,  suddenly  exclaimed — 
"  Count  !  you   are  but  a  coward  ! — a  poltron  !" 

"  1  I'ear  no  man — least  of  all — you  !"  replied  Kinpslatch,  rising 
in  nnr^er. 

"  Nay — but  will  you  prove  it,  Herr  von  Knipslatch  V 

"  Now — or  at  any  lime," answered  the  German  noble  ;  "  Jablon- 
sky  arrange  this  matter  for  me,  though  I  think  we  ought  to  pre- 
serve Christmas-niwht  sacred  from  brawl,  or  bloodshed." 

"  To-morrow,  Captain  Fagel,  to-morrow,  we  will  satisfy  you," 
responded  Jablonsky,  "  sit  down,  count.  xA.nd  now  that  a  truce  is 
concludeJ,  I  would  fain  ask  our  young  friend,  Herr  Schuiz,  why 
his  eyes  have  been  so  intensely  lixed  on  our  mysiic  cauldron  ?" 

"  Why,  in  sober  trulh — if  I  must  confess  my  folly,"  replied 
Schtdz,  "  the  count's  awful  revelations  have  set  mv  imaf^ination 
astir.  My  disturbed  brain  cannot  fancy  that  bow!  of  blue  liquid 
other  than  one  of  my  native  lakes  'midst  tlie  mountains  :  the 
smoke  which  curls  from  its  surface  is  like  the  mist  at  sunrise. 
The  longer  I  gaze,  its  shelving  sides  seem  to  grow  sleeper  and 
steeppr — " 

"  Not  a  shadow  of  doubt  on  that  point,"  said  Jablonsky,  inter- 
rupting him,  "  wlulst  four  awful  gulfs  continually  exdiaust  it." 

"  But  what  chiefly  riveted  my  eyes,"  continued  ^^chulz,  "  was 
the  expectation  I  could  not  rid  myself  of,  of  seeing  some  sprite 
lift  Mp  its  head  above  the  surface  of  the  lake." 

"  ('ount,"said  Fagel,  who  had  been  wailing  an  opportunity  of 
speaking,  "  when  I  asked,  if  you  wei-e  willing  to  prove  3'our 
courage,  I  did  not  mean  on  myself,  or  any  mortal — and  as  I  just- 
ly gave  offence,  I  ask  your  forgiveness." 

A  murmur  of  approbation  broke  from  both  Jablonsky  and 
Schiilz  ;  and  Knipslatch,  rising,  extended  his  hand  to  Fiio-e],  the 
quarrel  was  consequently  at  an  end.  "  Where  J  would  task  your 
courage,"  continued  the  captain,  "  is  in  confronting  beings  of  the 
other  world.  Would  you  not  gladly  recover  the  cpporfunity  of 
seeing  again  this  awful  influence  from  which  you  fled  ?  Of  list- 
eniniT  to  his  omens  of  future  fortune  ?" 

^"The  being  never  comes  twice  on  the  same  errand,"  said 
Knipslatch,  "  I  doubt  not,  its  visit  was  friendly  till  I  anaered 
it." 

"  Not  without  propitiation,  will  it  come  again — not  in  anywise 
at  your  call,  for  it  is  offended,"  continued  Fagel,  in  tone  of  in- 
creased solemnity,  "  but  you  shall  yet  see  once  more,  this  dread 
bein2,  for  I  have  the  power  to  raise  it !" 

The  seriousness  with  which  this  was  uttered,  struck  awe,  if  not 
terror,  in  Fagel's  companions.  The  count  looked  at  him  with  a 
disturbed,  anxious  eye. 

"  Kave  you  courage,  Herr  Von  Knipslatch,  to  undergo  the  or- 
deal ?  demanrled  the  captain. 

Jablonsky,  and  Schuiz  both  srr.iled  incredulously  at  this  ques- 


206  JASPER    CROWE. 

lion,  but  the  count  answered  seriously — as  llioiigh  he  never  for  a 
moment  doubted  the  f^ood  faith  of  the  questioner — that  he  liad 
been  ever  (lo  his  misfortune)  afraid  of  hstcning  face  to  face,  and 
he  knew  not  that  he  could  summon  more  courage  on  the  present 
occasion. 

Fa^el  declared  that  he  had  no  personal  motive  in  pressing  him  ; 
his  object  solely  regarded  the  court's  interest.  He  dcscanied  on 
the  antiquity  and  foimer  iinportance  of  Knipslatch's  family  ;  and. 
urged  with  much  earnestness,  that  as — according  lo  his  own  con- 
fession— the  decay  of  the  family  was  entirely  owing  lo  the  un- 
manly fears  of  its  present  chief,  he  should  make  an  effort  (ere 
too  late)  to  retrieve  its  honor.  What  was  more  likely — he  asked, 
than  that  the  visit  of  last  night  was  lo  point  a  path  to  fortune  ?  i  n 
January,  thev  would  probably  cross  the  Delaware,  which  must 
bring  on  an  action,  if  Washington  had  any  troops  left,  in  camp, 
lo  make  fight  with.  Who  could  deny,  that  between  Trenton  and 
Phihdelf)hia,  there  hung  a  laurel-wreath  to  encircle  the  coronet 
of  Knipslatch.and  that  the  Genius  came  with  intent  to  maishal 
the  way  ? 

Fagel  perceived  that  he  had  made  an  impression  ;  the  pale  face, 
and  eye,  of  the  count  beamed  wiih  wild  ardor. 

"  But  whence  this  strange  power  you  possess,  Captain  Fagel?" 
asked  Knipslatch,  "  I  never  before  heard  of  it.  You  are  the  last 
man  I  should  have  suspected  of  practising  mysterious  arts  !  You 
who  have  ever  derided  what  vuu  have  been  pleased  to  term 
"  fancies"  !" 

"  Aye — truly  have  I,"  replied  the  captain,  "whilst  I  deemed 
them  only  idle  fancies,  I  discouraged  the  idea,  and  tried  to  laugh 
down  your  belief.  But  I  now  see  distincily,  from  your  confes- 
sion of  this  evening,  that  the  fortune  of  your  house — perhaps  your 
life — hangs  on  the  chance  of  hearing  what  your  visitant  had  lo  im- 
part." 

Knipslaich  urged  that  it  was  more  than  likely,  that  the  influ- 
ence would  disobey  the  summons, or  ifforced  to  obey,  would  mis- 
lead, out  of  of  sheer  spite,  at  the  compulsion. 

But  Fagel,  who  as  the  reader  will  perceive,  had  brought  his 
novice  lothe  point  of  believing — not  only  that  he  spoke  wiili  good 
faiih,  but  that  he  possessed  the  power  he  claimed— found  but  lit- 
tle trouble  in  removing  the  count's  suspicions  of  the  spectre's  hos- 
tility. 'I'o  strengthen  confidence,  he  related  a  strange  history  of 
his  childhood,  how,  and  by  whom,  he  had  been  taught  to  practice 
the  suiumoning  of  the  mystic  beings  who  live  under,  al)ove,  and 
on  the  earth,  invisible  to  the  human  eye.  On  what  occasion  he 
had  made  trial  of  his  powers — the  unhappy  result  lo  a  kinsman, 
which  had  decided  him  to  bury  for  ever,  in  his  own  breast,  the 
fearful  knowledge — and  only  departed,  in  the  count's  favor,  from 
a  fixed  resolve,  ihrouch  desire  of  reinstating  in  their  former  splen- 
dour, an  ancient  and  honored  family. 

So  earnestly,  serious]}'-,  and  with  deep  impassioned  utterance 


JASPER    CBOWE. 


207 


did  Facrel  deliver  his  sentiments,  that— not  merely  Ivnipslatch, 
xvho  believing  in  the  existence  of  his  family-fain.liar  exeried  but 
Ihtle  stretch  of  faith  in  crediting  the  power  of  'l|e  other  to  sum- 
monit,butevenJablonskv,and!Schnlz,v\'eredumb-foundea.  How 
far  successive  potations  from  the  blue  lake  which  simmered  be- 
fore their  eves,  mystified  the  understanding,  we  cannot  undertake 
10  determine,  but  neither  could  bring  himself  wholly  to  a  behef 
of  FacTel's  trickery.  Whether  he  himself  credited  his  own  power 
to  compel  the  attendance  of  sprites,  the  sequel  of  our  narrative 
must  determine.  ^^   .     ,      ,  j      • 

After  much  musing,  and  pondering,  Ivnipslatch  arose,  and  seiz- 
ing the  captain's  hand,  dechired  his  readiness  and  desire,  of  sub 
mming  to  the  oracle.     At  this  instant,  a  loud  crack,  astounded 

the  party.  .  ,  ,  ,  ,  . 

"What's  that?"  exclaimed  Schulz,  m  sudden  tremor,  letting 

the  class  fall  from  his  hand. 

"Why,  Franz,"  cried  Jablonsky,  turning  to  the  corner  where 
the  veteran  sat,  "  if  vou  frighten  Ensign  Schulz  after  this  faslaon, 
YOU  must  make  friends  with  Diana  below."  ,   ^,  .    , 

It  appeared  the  incident  which  so  much  alarmed  bchulz,  vvas 
the  veteran's  dropping  his  pipe  at  the  moment  that  he  heard  his 
master,  the  count,  make  the  compact. 

Facrel  intimated,  that  as  Knipslalch  was  willing,  he  should  com- 
menc?  initiatory  proceedings  in  the  upper  floor,  a  few  minutes 
before  midnight. 

"  Alone "?  shall  I  be  alone  ?"  asked  the  count. 
"  W^e  will  remain  with  you,  til!   ihe  line  of  protection  is  com- 
plete," replied  Fasel,  "  but  before  the  spirit  approaches,  we  must 
felire,  but  will  sta>  within  reach  of  vour  voice.     We  may  talk, 
if  you  Drove  faint- hearied,  but  we  must  not  be  seen. 

"Th'is  is  a  strange  affair,  Captain  Fagel,"  remarked  Jablonskv, 
"  most  strange  that  the  secret  should  have  been  so  long  buried  in 
your  breast.  But  come  !  genilemen— ere  Schulz's  mountain-lake 
grows  cool,  let  us  bathe  our  spirits  in  its  dew.  I  am  chilled  _ 
'I'he  glasses  were  replenished,  and  the  party  renewed  their 
libations. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Leaving  Jablonskv,  and  his  friends,  around.lheir  bowl  of  nectar, 
we  must  take  up  with  one,  with  whom  the  readers  of  "  Alda  Grey 
are  familiar— Francois  Girard,  the  former  barber  of  Trenton,  now 
fulfillinft  ihe  perilous  duties  of  spy,  in  the  employment  of  Gen- 
eral Washington.  Since  the  occupation  of  New  Jersey  by  the 
British,  and  Hessians,  they  had  committed  ravaoes  of  a  descrip- 
tion  which  remind  the  siudent  of  history  of  the  cruel  warfare 
wacred  acrainst  the  Albigenses,  and  at  a  later  period,  by  Louis  the 


208  JASPER  CROWE. 

Fourlecnlh  against  the  Huguenots.  The  Briiish  commander,  and 
his  brother,  Lord  Howe,  his  Majesty's  commissioners,  on  erec- 
ting the  King's  standard  at  New  Brunswicii,  issueii  a  proclama- 
tion, on  ihe  thirtieth  of  November,  promising  safely  and  protec- 
tion, both  in  person  and  property,  to  every  inhabitant  of  tlie 
province  (notvvithsian(iing  lie  might  have  carried  arms  against 
his  lawful  sovereign)  upon  taking  an  oath  of  allegiance.  tSo  des- 
perate appeared  the  palriol-cause,  near  the  close  of  the  year,  that 
a  considerable  number,  even  of  that  party  which  had  sup[)urted 
Congress  with  their  sword,  joined  thetoiies  in  receivinfi  the  oalh 
adnuiiistered  by  llie  king's  officers,  and  went  home,  rejoicing  in 
the  written  protections  which  they  carried  in  their  pockets.  But 
during  December,  the  conquerors  spreading  through  the  province, 
left  scarcely  a  sohiary  farmhouse  unvisited.  The  entire  district 
groaned  under  the  scourge  of  murder,  robbery,  and  rapine. 
Defenceless  females,  in  lone  neighbourhoods,  fleil  to  the  woods 
to  shelter  them  from  insult,  but  were  tracked,  and  dragged  from 
ihence  by  the  ruthless  spoilers,  guided  by  fires  kindled  l)y  the  half 
frozen  fugitives.  These  facts,  which  are  picserved  by  affidavit, 
and  formal  testimony,  in  the  records  of  Congress,  we  would  fain 
— at  this  lale  period — burv  in  oblivion,  but  as  our  object  is  —  even 
in  tlie  form  wfiich  these  narratives  assume — to  throw  light 
on  the  character  and  working,  of  the  great  struijgle,  we  cannot 
wholly  suppress  ihem.  In  excuse  for  ijiilisli  and  Hessian  offi- 
cers, gentlemen  we  may  presume,  by  birth  and  education,  it  may 
be  stated,  that  infinite  pains  were  taken,  hoth  in  England  and  Ger- 
many, to  instil  into  the  minds  of  the  troops,  ere  they  sailed  from 
their  own  shores,  that  they  were  employed  to  put  down  a  crew 
of  ungrateful,  rebellious  colonists — who  without  cause  had  flown 
in  the  face  of  their  sovcreign-rulcr,  and  offered  him  every  insult, 
and  who  merited,  by  their  conduct,  wiiatever  treatment  they  might 
meet  with. 

Apart  from  all  considerations  of  humanity,  how  inconsistent, 
and  impolitic,  was  the  conduct  of  the  British  !  On  the  one  hand, 
the  Royal  Conunissioners  were  inviting  in  the  smoothe?t,  most 
conciliating  tone,  all  classes  to  partake  ttie  proffered  amnncsty,  on 
the  other,  their  canlonned  troc^ps  were'ravaging  the  property  of 
those  who  had  submitted.  When  a  Jersey  farmer,  or  townsman, 
whose  house  was  being  plundered  or  his  family  insulted — exhibi- 
ted his  written  protection,  it  was  "damned"  by  the  British  who 
could  read  it,  was  laughed  at  by  the  Hessians,  who  could  not. 

As  December  drew  loward  a  close,  one  universal  feclinfj  of 
indiirnation,  and  disgust,-reigned  through  the  province.  The 
militia-man,  who  had  abandoned  Washington  in  his  retreat,  and 
refused  to  turn  out  to  his  aid,  inspirited  by  wrongs  wiiich  cried 
for  redress,  from  his  own  hearth,  from  the  bosom  of  his  family, 
repolished  his  arms,  mustered  in  secret  with  his  fellow-men,  and 
awaited,  with  impatience  the  signal  of  havock  !  to  sweep  from 
the  land  the  scourge  which  infested  it. 


JASPER  cr.owE.  2C9 

Meanwhile  (and  we  solicit  \\\g  reader's  palience  for  so  long 
wiiiiholding  him  from  an  iniioduclion  to  our  old  acquaintance, 
Girnrd)  let  us  glance  at  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  British 
army. 

In  the  good  old  limes — of  tlie  last  centnry — when  the  art  of 
warfare  was  conducted  with  clo-str  reference  to  piecept,  and 
precedent,  than  in  the  present  era  of  innovation,  the  term  "  win- 
ter-quarters" was  int-erpreted  to  iiican,  nearly  total  suspension  of 
hoslihlies,  coupled  witl)  a  pleasant  sojoiirn  for  four,  five,  or  even 
six  months  in  a  well  sheltered  town,  or  neighbourhood,  with  leisure 
for  bdliards,  quarrelling  and  flirtations.  These  pasiimes  continu 
ed — with  the  occasional  interlude  of  a  turn-out,  in  small  detalch- 
ments,  merely  for  collection  of  forage — till  the  spring  was  lar 
advanced,  and  our  gallant  captain,  or  major,  remorselessly  for- 
saking the  fieart  which  lie  had  flattered  or  deluded,  marcheil  his 
p^Ttoon,  or  battalion,  into  the  field.  As  with  regimental  officer, 
so  with  commander-in-chief.  The  latter  (if  wintering  in  large 
European  city,  or  capital)  having  lost — not  his  heart — but  half 
his  fortune,  in  play,  lured  into  the  ambuscades  of  whist,  picquet, 
or  ombre,  by  the  fascinating  wiles  of  some  biight-eyed  (yet 
needy,  finessing)  duichess,  or  marchioness,  was  glad — when  the 
season  opened — to  escape  from  the  toils,  and  seek,  in  the  occasion 
of  a  new  victory,  to  restore  his  shattered  finances.  /• 

After  Sir  William  Howe  had  overrun  the  province  with  a  d*IS- 
posable  force,  of  from  eiglit  to  ten  thousand  m^en,  part,  the  flower 
of  the  British  army,  part  Hessians, (whose  natne,  foreign  language, 
and  habits  alone,  struck  a  terror  into  the  country)  his  career  was 
stopped  by  the  Delaware,  and  his  march  to  Philadelphia  imped- 
ed. On  the  heights  wliich  sloped  to  the  opposite  bank,  lay 
General  Washington  with  about  one  thousand  regular  troops,  and 
at  his  command — though  not  always  in  camp — perhaps  fifteen, 
or  two  thousand,  Pennsylvania  militia.  How  interesting  were  the 
secret  thoughts  of  Sir  William  recorded  on  beliolding  his  adver- 
sary's camp  ! 

W'^ashington's  small  force,  and  the  river,  were  the  only  obsta- 
cles to  Howe  taking  possession  of  Philadelphia,  not  thirty  miles 
distant.  But  how  cross — the  American  commander  had  seized 
every  boat?  Bui  did  Sir  William,  when  he  quitted  New  Yoik, 
expect  the  contrary — did  he  imagine  Washington  would  leave  be- 
hind, the  means  of  being  overtaken  ?  The  British  general  was 
in  possession  of  New  Brunswick,  on  the  Rariian-river,  a  naviga- 
ble water  passage  open  to  New  York,  and  his  Majesty's  fleet. 
Between  New  Brunswick,  and  the  Delaware,  by  land,  is  but 
forty  miles,  and  the  route,  the  regular  highway,  stage  road  be- 
tween Philadelphia  and  New  York.  We  are  certain  that  in  the 
present  century,  an  enterprising  general  so  circumstanced — 
whatever  the  place  of  his  birih,  the  country  he  served — wiih  the 
purse-strings  of  a  powerful  and  wealthy  nation  in  his  hands,  an 
army,  a  fleet,  immense  stores---everything  which  a  commander 
17 


210  JASPER  CROWE. 

could  desire — would  have  found  means  to  transport  boats,  a  dis- 
tance of  forty  miles,  over  a  well-travelled  liighway.  Tiiol  il  was 
feasible,  is  very  evident  from  the  well-grounded  fears  of  Washing- 
ton (expressed  to  Congress  in  his  dispatches,)  that  the  plan  was 
being  put  in  execution.  In  crossing,  the  patriots,  might  have  at- 
tempted— as  in  duty  bound — to  oppose  a  landing,  but  the  pow- 
erful play  of  a  large  park  of  artillery,  covering  the  passage,  un- 
dertaken, at  the  same  lime,  at  different  fords,  and  the  weight  of 
columns  three  times  outnumbering  the  foe,  must  have  rendered 
defence  vain. 

"  Let  well  alone" — was  probably  Sir  William's  motto.  He 
had  neglected  to  provide  boats,  and  it  was  now  too  late  to  remedy 
the  fault,  as  ice  already  began  to  float  down  the  stream,  and 
would  daily  become  a  more  forinidaUle  obstacle.  But  when  the 
surface  froze  solidly,  the  ice  would  stand  in  lieu  of  boat,  or  craft. 
The  tories,  and  his  spies,  did  not  fail  informing  him,  that  the 
term  of  service,  even  of  the  poor  remaining  thousand  regulars^ 
would  expire  by  the  first  of  January,  and  the  men  being  worn 
out  with  suffering,  were  determined  to  leave  the  defence  of  their 
country  to  the  Pennsylvania  militia,  ai^d — to  chance.  As  matiers 
stood,  why  even  let  the  rebel  force,  crumble  to  pieces  ef  itself? 

Such  we  may  reasonably  conclude  were  Sir  U  iliiam's  views, 
and  reasoning,and  that  having  taken  a  peep, through  his  telescope, 
at  the  patrioi-cainp,  pocketed  the  glass,  and  giving  orders  to  can- 
ton the  troops,  returned  to  the  delights  of  the  faro-table  in  New 
York,  and  the  fascinations  of  his  mistress  on  Long-Island. 

His  illustrious  co-adjutor,  and  second  in  command,  the  Earl 
Cornwallis,  seemed  equally  desirous  of  seeking  temporary  repose 
from  tlie  fatigues  of  war.  With  six  thousand  choice  troops,  (in- 
cluding the  Guards,  the  Royal  Highlanders,  the  Queen's  light-dra- 
goons, and  other  crack  corps,)  he  puisued  Washington  through 
New  Jersey  for  nineteen  consecutive  days,  from  the  twentieth  of 
.November,  to  the  eighth  day  of  the  ensuing  month,  and  duiing 
that  period,  had  driven  the  retreating  army  the  distance  of  ninety 
miles,  from  C'loster-landing  on  the  North  river,  to  Trenton  on  the 
Delaware  !  The  fugitives  (at  first)  numbered  three  thousand 
(daily  diminishing  by  desertion)  ;  they  had  lost  tents,  artillery, 
and  baggage,  and  flight  could  be  readily  tracked  over  the  snow, 
by  the  blood  which  oozed  from  the  wounded  feet  of  the  shoeless 
rebels.  After  this  wonderful  exploit,  he  also,  like  the  comman- 
der-in-chief, acted  on  the  motto  of  "let  well  alone."  At  his  re- 
quest, Sir  Wiliam  granted  the  Earl  permission  to  spend  the  win- 
ter in  Europe,  that  he  might,  as  we  presume,  display  his  laurelled 
brow  at  court. 

And  yet,  spite  of  the  dilatory  manner  in  which  the  war  was  con- 
ducted by  the  British  commander — the  many  advantages  lost,  as 
for  instance,  whilst  Cornwallis  was  forcing  Washington  to  i-e- 
Ircat,  if  Howe  had  pushed  a  division  from  New  York,  through 
Aml)oy  and  New  Brunswick,  he  would  have  caught  the  Ameri- 


SASPER  CROWE.  211 

cans  in  the  rear,  between  two  fires,  and  they  must  liave  surrendered 
— an  omission  which  was  both  at  the  period,  and  since,  repealed 
dierae  of  comment — yet  spile  of  these  and  similar  drawbacks,  boih 
Howe  and  CornwalUs,  were,  inconJeslably,  able  generals.  The 
fine  movements  by  which  Howe  surprised  his  adversaries,  and 
gained  the  victory  both  at  Long-Island  and  at  Chad's  ford,  eniiile 
iiim,  as  a  soldier,  to  {h-e  highest  praise.  There  must  have  been 
fault  somewhere;  but  ou.r  scope  will  not  allow  us  to  pursue  ihe 
argumeni  further,  and  we  reiurn — tnuch  perhaps  to  the  romance- 
reader's  relief — to  our  more  immediate  subject. 

The  position  of  Washijiglon,  and  consequently,  of  tlie  cause 
for  which  he  fought,  was  critical.  In  a  few  days,  he  felt  that  he 
should  be  left  without  an  army  ;  yet  he  felt  also,  ihat  the  time 
was  arrived  when  he  could  count  on  the  aid  of  the  New  Jersey 
miliiia.  "  I  flatter  myself,"  he  wrote  to  Congress,  "  that  the 
many  injuries  they  have  received,  will  induce  some  to  give  their 
aid.  If  what  they  have  suffered  docs  not  arouse  their  resent- 
ment, they  must  not  possess  the  common  feelings  of  humanity. 
To  oppression,  ravage,  and  deprivation  of  property,  they  have 
had  the  more  mortifying  circumstance  of  insult  added;  after  be- 
ing stripped  of  all  they  had,  without  the  least  compensation,  pro- 
tections have  been  granted  ihem  for  ihe  free  enjoyment  of  their 
effects." 

Flushed  with  the  hope  of  co-operation  from  Jersey,  he  resolv- 
ed, as  the  final  week's  engagement  of  his  army  commenced,  lo 
strike  one  blow  for  his  counlry,  while  he  had  the  power. 

To  steal  from  village  to  village,  from  cantonment  to  canton- 
ment, was  the  work  of  the  fearless  (iirard.  He  found  the 
troops  widely  scallered,  careless,  and  unsuspicious  of  surprise. 
Chiefly  from  his  report,  the  American  commander  resolved  to 
make  an  attack  on  Trenion,  where  were  quartered  the  three 
regiments  of  Hessians,  and  a  troop  of  British  light-horse. 

Christmas-night,  when  it  was,  with  good  reason,  imagined, 
that  the  mercenaries  would  be  drowned  in  festivity,  most  exposed 
to  the  effects  of  a  sudden  surprise,  was  selected.  Whilst  the 
Americans  were  preparing  to  cross  the  Delaware,  Girard  was  in- 
structed to  elude  the  vigilance  of  the  sentinels,  and  enter  the 
town,  ]y'\ns^  [here  pfrdu  till  the  approach  of  the  army;  or  should 
aught  unusal,  or  adverse  to  ihe  success  of  the  expedition,  occur 
in  the  Hessians'  quarters,  to  make  limely  report. 

Girard,  as  we  have  elsewhere  described,  was  a  tall,  comely 
fellow,  of  thirty  or  more  years,  capable  of  underooing  almost  any 
amount  of  fatigue  or  privation  ;  generous  and  obliging  to  a  fault, 
reckless  of  life  in  protecting  and  serving  his  friends  Careless 
of  the  ends  for  which  most  men  strive,  he  appeared  to  love  dan- 
ger for  its  own  sake,  or  for  mere  excitement,  and  glided  over  the 
surface  of  existence  with  a  happy,  haimless  buoyancy  of  mind. 
Bred  a  barber,  he  had  followed  the  calling  on  both  sides  the 
Atlantic,  till  his  restless  disposition  led  him  into  a  more  active 
17* 


212  JASPER    CROWE. 

and  perilous  career.  His  ostensible  pursuit  (of  laie)  was  express- 
rider  lo  his  Excellency,  carrying  letters  to  and  Irom  Congress; 
his  secret  avocation  was  procuring  itiielligence  of  the  enemy's 
designs  and  movements.  Though  serving  the  patriotic  cause, 
it  may  be  doubted  whether  he  did  nut  ri.-^k  the  doom  which  menaces 
the  person  of  a  spy,  more  tliroiigh  love  of  adventure,  and  dis- 
inclination to  settled  pursuit,  liian  for  the  sake  of  his  adopted 
country. 

On  Christmas-night,  then,  to  return  to  the  course  of  events,  Gir- 
ard,  by  wading  up  to  iiis  knees  in  the  chilling  stream,  succeeded 
in  eluding  the  out-picket,  and  found  hicnself,  lo  his  exceeding  gra- 
tification, once  more  in  Trenton.  Why  he  should  be  so  much 
gratified  by  the  visit,  was  in  consequence  of  a  passion  which  over- 
mastered even  llie  roving  disposition  of  the  express-rider.  He 
was  in  love,  and  with  that  smart  little  body,  whose  cruel  destiny 
every  one  so  much  pitied — Alary  Crowe.  Unknown  lo  her  fa- 
ther, she  had  framed  many  an  audience  to  the  Frenchman  in  the 
deserted  loft  of  the  old  house,  lo  wfiich  the  adventurous  lover 
clambered,  in  the  first  instance,  by  means  of  the  shaft,  or  support, 
of  the  piazza.  Frotn  the  roof  of  the  latter,  it  was  easy  lo  gain  the 
roof  of  the  main  building,  from  whence — ihe  trap-door  being  left 
without  bolt  or  fastening — he  slid  quietly,  by  means  of  a  short 
cord  (which  he  carried,  for  the  occasion,  in  his  pocket),  to  the 
floor  of  the  garret,  and  the  presence  of  Mary  Crowe. 

V^'hen  an  individual  undergoes  secret  and  extraordinary  labour, 
to  effect  entry  into  a  house,  it  may  be  judged  that  he  has  good 
reasons  for  not  entering  quieily  by  the  usual  approach.  The 
miser  loved  his  daughter,  even  while  subjecting  her  to  menial 
offices  so  far  beneath  her  birth  and  station.  Girard  was  obvious- 
ly a  very  objectionable  suitor;  if  fault  be  found  with  Mary  for  lis- 
lening  to  his  addresses,  it  may  be  pleaded,  in  extenuation,  that 
t'le  loneliness  of  her  situation — excluding  her  from  clteerful, 
unrestrained  intercourse  with  persons  of  her  own  station — and 
more  especially  of  her  own  sex,  from  whom  she  would  have 
acquired  knowleilge  of  the  world — exposed  her  more  readily  lo 
be  captivated  by  the  dashing,  off-hand  attentions  of  a  man  like 
Girard,  who,  in  addition  to  other  accompli.ihmcnts  (spite  ol  a  li- 
mited education),  "  the  gods  had  made  poetical."  His  brokeii 
English,  broken  verses,  snatches  of  song,  impromptu  effusions, 
and  at  rare  intervals,  when  the  old  man  was  iar  away,  the  light 
jingle  of  guitar-strings,  were  iirt^sistible. 

In  face"  of  the  whiskered  Hessians,  and  the  provost-marshal's 
cord,  Trenton,  with  all  its  perils,  had  a  fascination  for  Girard. 
Conceive,  then,  iiis  vexation,  on  learning  from  a  townsman  and 
neighbour  of  Jasper  Crowe — one  who,  well  affecied  to  the  pa- 
triot cause,  he  knew  would  not  betray  him — that  MaryCrowe  had 
disappeared,  gone,  as  it  was  said,  lo  Philadel[)hia,  or  at  least, 
across  the  Delaware,  lo  avoid  ihe  troubles  with  which  her  native 
town  was  threatened.    It  was,  he  could  not  help  confessing,  both 


JASPER    CROWE.  213 

natural  and  praise-worthy  in  old  Jasper,  to  send  his  daughter 
where  she  would  be  safe  from  insult;  and  his  own  affecliou  for 
the  maiden  extorted  approval  of  tlie  proceeding ;  yet  (he  could 
not  help  it)  he  was  disappointed,  grievously  disappointed  ;  Tren- 
ton had  lost  its  charms. 

Spite  of  vexation,  he  did  not  forget  the  (hities  of  his  post.  He 
made  visits  to  several  parlies  well  affected  to  congress,  by  whom 
he  was  faiihfuUy  iufunned  of  every  event  which  liad  occurred. 
As  matters  stood,  everything  promised  success  to  the  attack; 
any  military  operation  on  the  part  of  Washington  was  not  dream- 
ed of,  as  it  was  believed  his  force  was  crumbling  away,  and  that 
he  was  totally  unable  to  lake  the  field;  and  he,  nioreover,  lay 
behind  a  broad  river,  now  almost  impassable,  on  account  of  the 
drifting  ice.  Being  Christmas-night,  both  officers  and  men  were 
indulging  themselves  after  the  fashion  of  their  country,  though 
the  commandant,  Colonel  Rahl,  who  was  a  vigdant  officer,  did 
not  ncfrlect  proper  precautions  at  the  out-posts,  and  the  interior 
of  the  town  was  also  p.-itrolled. 

It  happened,  unfortunately,  that  the  spy,  whilst  crossing  from 
the  northern  to  the  southern  quarter  of  Trenton,  dreanung  of 
Mary  Crowe,  and  forgetful  of  matters  nearer  home,  came  unex- 
pectedly to  llie  market-place,  where  were  ranged  the  field  pieces 
attached  to  the  Hessian  brigade.  He  was  challenged,  as  cus- 
tomary, by  the  setuinel  on  duty,  and  being  thrown  off  his  guard 
by  the  unexpectedness  of  the  rencontre,  instead  of  submilting 
himself  to  the  soldier's  inspection,  who  being  a  foreigner,  igno- 
ranl  of  the  language,  would  have  speedily  dismissed  him,  in  full 
confidence  of  his  being  a  townsman,  took  to  his  heels,  and  fled 
down  a  side  street.  The  report  of  the  sentry's  firelock  convinced 
our  express-rider  of  his  error ;  but  it  was  now  too  late  to  change  his 
tactics.  Alive  to  ihe  peril,  he  was  cautious  of  flying  to  the  out- 
skirts, lest  he  should  fall  upon  the  guard  ;  yet  to  remain  in  the 
town,  after  the  alarm  was  given,  was  equally  dangerous.  If  he 
could  but  reach  ilie  banks  of  the  Delaware,  he  was  sure,  he 
ihouirht,  of  extrication  by  the  same  path  through  which  lie  gain- 
ed ingress. 

The  discharge  of  the  firelock  caused  a  driun  to  beat  al  the 
guard-house.  It  was  about  as  dangerous  a  pedicament  as  Fran- 
cois Girard  had  ever  fallen  into.  To  flee  from  the  town  was  in 
vain  ;  it  was  environed  by  sentinels  :  the  Delaware  was  then  the 
only  resort,  anti  thither  he  fled,  determined,  if  no  better  chance 
presented,  to  trust  himself  on  one  of  the  drifting  islands  of  ice, 
rather  than  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  As  lie  ran,  he  could 
hear  the  sounds  of  pursuit.  His  route  to  the  river-brink  led  him, 
by  chance  rather  than  design,  ne&r  the  dwelling  of  Jasper  Crowe. 
The  view  of  the  miser's  dwelling  changed  the  current  of  his 
thoughts.  Why  should  he  trust  his  limbs  to  the  chilly  waters, 
when  less  hazardous  refuge  were  at  hand  ?  He  called  to  mind 
the  miser's  old  garret ;  he  might,  if  he  reached   it  unperceived, 


2\4  JASPER    CROWE-. 

lay  a  while  amongst  tlie  nibbjsh  till  piirsnit  was  over,  and  tlien 
descend  by  the  way  he  entered.  A  further  inducement  to  this 
course  was  the  refleclion,  that  as  affairs  siooti  in  Trenton,  he  was, 
according  to  instructiojjs,  to  tarry  in  it  till  warned  of  the  army's 
approach  ;  whereas,,  should  the  alacrity  of  his  pursuers  oblige  him 
lo  trust  to  the  ice,  he  would,  even  if  fife  were  preserved,  be  car- 
ried away  from  the  scene  of  impending  action. 

As  he  neared  the  garden  paling,  he  was  still  debating  which 
course  to  pursue — whether  scale  hisoM  Irvsting-phcc,  or  sliike 
thr^ough  the  mepdow  to  the  water's  edge,  when  tlie  open  gate 
(which  Jablotisky  had  noS  replaced)  decided  the  question.  He 
ran  into  the  yard,  up  the  steps  of  the  piazza,  clomb  the  shaft 
which  supported  the  covering,  crawled  up  the  shingle-roof  of  the 
house,  and  behold  F  the  trap-door  was  wide  open,  Wl)at  could 
this  mean?  Neither  himself,  nor  Mary,  he  was  certain,  were 
ever  guilty  of  the  negligence  of  leaving  it  open  ;  so  careful  had 
5ie  been  in  everj^  matter  which  related  to  the  stolen  visits,  that  he 
had  removed  the  fastening  from  die  tra:p,  lest  Jasper,  by  chance, 
should  bar  the  lover's  approach.  As  he  pondered  over  the  strange 
event,  hesitating  whether  he  shonld  descend — more  especially  as 
be  had  no  cord  wherewith  to  lower  himself,  without  noise,  till  his 
feel  touched  the  floor,  as  he  had  practised  heretofore — several 
patrols  came  to  the  garden-gate,  Cauliously,  and  noiselessly,  he 
stretched  himself,  at  full  length,  along  the  roof,  and  had  the  satis- 
faction of  liearing  them  pass  through  the  garden,  ai  the  rear  of 
the  house,  and  thence  toward  the  Delaware,  Nov/  must  he  risk 
a  jump,  which  might  alarm  old  Jasper,  whose  bed-room  was  in 
tlie  floor  beneath  the  loi'"t,  or  choose  the  alternative  of  lying,  with- 
out cover,  in  the  freezing  air,  till  he  was  himself  stiffened  and  in- 
animate F  "  Look  before  you  leap,"  is  an  old  proverb  ;  perhaps 
Girard  had  forgotten  the  wise  saw,  but  instinct  prompted  the 
praciice.  With  head  peering  over  the  aperture,  he  cauifonsly 
looked  down  on  the  region  below;  it  lay  in  darkness,  but  the  head 
of  a  ladder  was  visible,  within  reach.  Was  old  Jasper  fond  of 
gazing  at  the  stars  ;  or  had  Mary,  ere  slie  qtfitled  home,  received 
the  visits  of  another  lover?  He  could  not  believe  Mary  unfaith- 
ful, vet  his  feelings  were  strongly  roused,  and  he  descended,  step 
by  step,  with  the  soft,  cautious  treatt  remarked  in  the  predaiojy 
approach  of  the  feline  tribe. 


CHAPTER  V, 


When  Girard  reached  the  bottom  of  the  ladder,  he  found  the 
gloomy  garret,  as  of  yore,  untenanted  save  by  articles  of  lumber 
and  store.  On  listenins:,  he  heard  a  confused  sound  as  of  people 
talking  on  the  lower  floor.     Who  were  the  visitors  of  Jasper 


JASPER  CROWE,  215 

Crowe?  surely  no  one  ever  came  by  invitation  ?  We  would  ob- 
seive,  that  Girard's  aUaclimenl  to  Mary  Crowe  bad,  for  special 
reasons.,  been  kept  a  profound  secret;  to  preserve  it  inviolate,  he 
had  cautiously  refrained  from  making  inquiries  of  his  friends  in 
the  town  concerning  Jasper  and  his  family,  lest  it  should  awaken 
guspvcion.;  which  will  account  for  his  being  entirely  ignorant^ 
ihat  ihe  old  house  was  hurihened  with  foreigners,  or  he  might 
have  been  more  chary  of  selecting  it  for  his  refuge.  Perhaps — 
he  surmised — robbers  had  penetrated  by  the  same  w^ay  as  hinn- 
self,  arvd  were  now  ca.rousing,  or  dividing  spoil.  He  ventured, 
however,  to  strike  a  light,  and  by  aiil  of  his  lantern,  proceeded  to 
iex[)lore  the  old  quarters.  The  only  trace  of  depredators  was  the 
■ladder  uplifted  against  the  open  trap.  As  he  gazed,  he  became 
^conscious  of  some  change,  or  alteration,  in  the  garret,  though  in 
what  respect  he  could  laot  determine.  A  laugh  fiom  below  re- 
called attention  to  more  urgent  mailers.  He  went  to  the  head  of 
the  stairs  and  listened.  There  was  no  mistaking  the  German 
•dialect.     Hessians  were  then  quartered  in  okl  Jasper^s  domicile! 

"  Hah  !  dat  is  one  good  joke,"  said  Girard,  indulging  in  a  quiet 
iaugh  ;  *'  How  I  do  pity  de  poor  German  bodies  who  be  obliga- 
ted to  live  in  dis  house  !" 

Tiie  Hessians,  like  their  countrymen  elsewhere,  where  keeping 
op  the  festivity  of  the  season,  which  was  fortunate — there  was 
the  less  danger  of  their  discovering  his  retreat.  But  then,  old 
Crowe's  sleeping-chamber  was  beneath — and,  walk  as  cautiously 
as  he  might,  there  was  considerable  risk.  If  the  miser  heard  him, 
he  would  assuredly  alarm  the  Hessians,  and  then — but  why  an- 
ticipate evil  ?  A  quiet  half-hour  passed  in  the  garret — and  the 
baffled  patroles,  now  seeking  through  the  streets,  for  the  stranger 
w^ho  had  evaded  the  sentry's  challenge,  would  give  up  profitless 
pursuits,  and  our  released  adventurer  might  descend  in  safety. 

"  All  !  vat  is  dis — a  rai-racle  ?"  exclaimed  the  Frenchman, 
holding  alofi  his  lantern. 

The  object  which  excited  Girard's  astonishment  was  a  fresh 
coat  of  plaster  on  the  walls. 

"  Dey  did  want  a  new  jacket,  sure  enough,"  muttered  the 
Frenchman  ;  "  but  it  cost  de  monie — and  de  old  man's  pockets 
are  like  vun  deep  veil — he  do  put  in,  but  he  cannot  draw  out." 

Here  was  food  for  meditation  !  The  new  coat  of  plaster  was 
as  great  a  mystery  as  the  standing  ladder,  and  open  trap.  I'pon 
wdi;it  compulsion  had  Jasper  Crowe  gone  to  the  gratuitous  ex- 
pense of  repairing  walls,  in  a  part  of  the  house,  untenanted  ? 
The  Frenchman  could  scarcely  believe  the  evidence  of  his  own 
eyes.  On  closer  inspection,  lie  found,  that  each  side  of  the 
garret,  where  the  sloping  roof  approached  very  near  the  floor,  had 
been  simply  whitewashed,  but  at  the  gable-end,  immediately  over 
the  miser's  bed-chamber,  the  wall — which  was  not  pierced  for  a 
window^ — was  entirely  frcshcoated  with  piaster. 

"  De  old  man  must  have  found  vun  grand   money-bag,"  mur- 


216  JASPER  CROWB. 

mured  Girard,  as  lie  fc^lt  ihe  wall  with  his  knuckle  ;  "  but  he  be 
vun  grand  fool  afier  all." 

\.Vl)ile  inspecting  the  renovation^  his  thoughts  recurring  agaif> 
and  ag:!in,  with  breathless  wonderme-nl,  to  liie  extraordinary 
outlay — wondering  the  while  whether  the  old  man  had  not  gone 
crazed  through  having  the  Hessians  qunriered  upon  him — he 
Jieard  footsteps.  Life  was  dear,  though  courage  stood  hijih ; 
while  his  hand  sought  a  pistol  Jie  turned  to  con.front  the  inlrudei'. 
Did  his  sense  of  fiearing  play  truant  ?  He  stood  alone  in  the  long 
gairet  f  With  noiseless  tread,  and  shaded  lantern.,  he  crept  lo  the 
hidden  half  of  the  loft,  which  occupied  a  space  over  the  other  an- 
gle of  the  building.  (Opening  the  lantern  suddenly,  to  scare  the 
concealed  visitor,  he  fcund  cdy  hiuisclf,  and  his  long  shadow. 

"  Uis  d — d  place  be  haunted!"  said  the  Frenchman,  with  a 
shght  tremor,  for  although  nearly  insensible  to  the  perils  of  flood 
and  field,  he  was  not  proof  against  supersiitiotis  fears-. 

His  acute  car  again  detected  the  sounds  of  footsteps  at  th.at 
end  of  the  loft  which  he  had  just  quitted.  One  moment  bcni  on 
discovering  the  mystery,  the  next,  much  inclined  lo  beat  a  retreat, 
he  izlided  back  lo  his  former  station. 

The  sound  of  voices  was  now  as  distinctly  audible,  as  lieforc, 
were  the  tread  of  feet.  Whence  came  they?  From  above  or 
beneath  ?  The  charm  was  only  partially  broken  by  his  hearing 
disiincily  the  following  ejaculation,,  in  the  voice  of  Jasper 
Crowe  :  — 

"  It  i.s  all  gone„  I  tell  thee,  child — the  wretch  drank  it  all." 

"  Well  !  Father,"  replied  a  voice,  whose  tones  caused  a  palpi- 
tation in  the  heart  of  the  listener — "  we  have  had  a  narrow  es- 
cafie,  and  ontrht  to  be  thankful." 

" 'I'hankful  I"  screamed  the  old  man  ;  "  By  G — d,  ?.Iarv,uhai 
have  r  to  be  thankful  for?  The  rascally  German  carrion  !  vvhet> 
he  saw  how  dissatisfied  I  was — he  smashed  the  empty  bottle  be- 
fore my  eyes." 

This  dialogue  between  Jasper  and  his  daughter,  coming  from 
he  knew  not  where,  caused  the  Frenchman,  after  farther  minute 
inspection,  to  make  discovery,  that  the  miser  had  with  wonderful 
ingenuity  (of  course  not  without  help  of  an  artificer)  walled  oil  a 
narrow  slip  from  the  loft  ;  and  that  to  avoid  detection,  the 
whole  had  been  whitewashed,  to  be  in  keeping  with  the  new 
lathe-and-plaster.  Still  listening — he  learneil  from  the  old  man's 
imprecations  on  Franz  for  having  eaten  his  fowl,  and  drank  the 
wine  ;  atnl  also  from  the  attempts  of  Mary  to  assuage  her  father's 
anger — a   tolerable   notion  of  what  occurred   {furin^   the  evening. 

The  only  avenue  lo  this  stronghold  in  which  were  stored  con- 
siderable tre  isiire,  and  ]:)rovision.  wasbv  a  secreidoor  in  Jasper's 
closet — the  very  closet  from  which  Jablonsky  produced  the  hi'lderi 
viands. 

Fortunnte,  indeed,  as  Marv  more  titan  once  repeated,  thai 
Fagel  and  his  companions  had  mistaken  the  cau.3C  of  her  fulh,cr''s 


JASPER  CROWE.  217 

emotion  when  the  closet  w;i.s  undergoing  search  :  still  more  for- 
tunate, that  the  viands  had  been  deposited  there,  as  iheir  discov- 
ery misled  the  sharp-wiited  soldiers,  and  induced  ihem  to  give 
iipfaiiher  investigation  in  that  dangerous  quarter.  Yet  spite  of 
the  narrow  escape,  the  old  man  could  not  lielp  harping  upon  the 
loss  he  sustained,  and  what  was  above  all,  a  sore  thought,  the 
catastrophe  of  the  broken  bottle. 

In  order  to  rest  liimself,  and,  at  the  same  time,  listen  Vviihout 
inconvenience,  the  Frenchman  took  seat  on  the  floor,  with  his 
ear  applied  to  the  wall. 

"All  dis  is  vera  strange,"  thought  Girard,  "vera  strange  !  I 
be  one  fool  to  be  frightened  by  de  old  man,  and  de  young  lass. 
If  de  general  hear,  he  would  say — "  Frangois  Girard,  you  be  no 
longer  fit  for  my  officer !  Dc  little  lass,  to  fright  one  tall  fellow 
with  four  pistols  in  de  pocket,  and  de  lantern  !  Bah  !  but  I  vill 
have  de  grand  revenge." 

After  farther  colloquy  between  Jasper  and  Mary,  by  which  the 
Frenchman  learned  the  names  of  the  Hessians,  as  well  as  t!ie 
circumstance  (-f  tluMr  visit  lo  the  loft. —  which  fully  accoimted  for 
the  position  of  the  ladder — the  miser  declared  he  must  look  after 
Franz,  and  the  female  devil  in  the  kitchen.  He  wished  his 
daughter,  good  nighi  ;  and  his  footsteps  were  heard  descending 
the  secret  staircase. 

"  Now  den — here  we  be,"  said  the  Frenchman  to  himself; 
"Mary  and  I,  once  more  alone  in  de  old  room." 

But  the  wall  between,  prevented  farther  comparison  with  old 
times.  How  make  the  maiden  hear  without  alarming  her — to 
an  extent,  perhaps,  which  might  cause  her,  in  terror,  to  make 
known  her  hiding-place  to  the  foreigners  !  This  consideration, 
for  awhile,  withheld  him  fiom  speaking:  he  heard  her  light  foot- 
step moving  rapidly  over  the  floor,  and. opined  that  she  was  about 
retirino  to  rest. 

"  Mary  !"  said  our  Frenchman,  in  a  whisper,  putting  his  lips 
to  the  plaster. 

There  was  no  reply. 

"  Mary  !"  repeated  the  lover,  in  rather  louder  strains. 
f"  Still  no  repl3\ 

"  De  note  nuisl  be  high  and  shrill,"  muttered  Girard,  adding 
in  as  loud,  and  high  tone,  as  he  dare  venture  ;   "  Mary  !  " 

"  Come  in,  father — Vm  not  asleep,"  said  the  maiden. 

"  I  can't,"  cried  Girard. 

"  Why  frighten  me?"  said  Mary  laughing,  "it  is  quite  bad 
enough  to  live  in  this  dreadful  hole." 

"If  dis  cursed  vail  vere  down,"  said  Girard  in  his  ordinary 
tone,  "  I  would  ask  Mary  Crowe  why  she  frighten  me  ?" 

"Mercy!  who  spoke  then?"  cried  the  maiden.  Her  words 
were  accompanied  by  a  noise,  as  though  she  started  from  her 
couch. 

"Father  !  father !  is  it  you?" 


218  JASPER   CROWE. 

The  Frencliman  heard  her  walk— as  he  supposed — toward  the 
door  of  llie  prison  chamber. 

"Jt  is  me — Francois  Girard,"  cried  our  lover,  alarmed  lest 
her  father  should  be  summoned. 

"  Where  ?  where  ?"  exclaimed  -\I:iry,  in  a  lone  which  betray- 
ed fright  and  astonishment. 

"PiityoureartodevaiI,andIvill  tell,"  rejoined  theFrenchman. 

"  You  wicked  wretch  !  (Tod  forgive  me — how  you  iiave  scared 
me,"  cried  Mary,  panting  with  alarm;  "how  came  you  in  the 
house?  Vou  will  be  killed." 

"  Dat  is  vat  de  bullet,  which  de  sentinel  shot,  vispered  in  mine 
ear,  as  it  flew  along;"  replied  Girard,  "but  1  did  turn  de  corner 
and  laugh.     Mary,  dis  is  Christmas-night." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  maiden  sharply,  "  and  there  have  been  rare 
doings,  what  with  you,  and  the  Germans,  and  it  won't  end,  till 
Mr.  Girard  comes  by  someihinfr  he  will  not  like." 

*'  Spoke  like  de  oracle,  Mary  ;"  remarked  her  lover,  "de  festival 
has  scarce  begun.  I  vas  one  little  hour  too  late,  to  see  de  game 
of  blind  man's  buff." 

"You  will  not  be  too  late  for  mischief,  I  can  tell  you,  Mr. 
Girard." 

"  Mary  !  Yen  dey  did  look  under  de  old  gcntelmon's  bed,  it 
vas  cold,  vera  cold — -ven  dey  went  near  de  closet,  it  vas  varm, 
varm — ven  de  door  of  de  closet  vas  opened,  and  Yab-lnnskee  did 
go  in,  it  vas  hot ;  it  did  burn  de  hole  bodie  very  much." 

"  You  wretch  !"  exclaimed  Mary,  "  you  have  been  listening  to 
our  secrets." 

"  Mary — der  be  plenty  of  vine  de  odcr  side.  I  vill  not  break 
de  bottel." 

"  You  shan't  have  the  chance,  Mr.  Girard.  But  tell  me — how 
came  you  in  ?" 

"  After  de  old  fashion,  Mary  ;"  replied  the  Frenchman  ;  "de 
ladder  was  in  dc  scuttel,  and  de  trap  was  open — and  I  did  fancy 
— O  !   horre-ble  things." 

"  What  were  thcy'like,  Mr.  Girard  ?" 

"  Uey  vere  like  viui  pretty  maiden  talking  to  de  brave  gallant 
— and  de  man  vas  iiot  jue." 

"  Are  you  not  very  cold,  Franoois  ?" 

"  Are  you  not  vera  warm,  Mary  ?" 

"  I  ought  to  be,"  replied  the  maiden  ;  "  for  there  are  three 
feather-beds  heaped  under  me." 

"  Ucn  lie  down,  and  I  vill  sing  you  to  sleep  with  a  vera  fine 
Christmas  carol  :   1  have  de  guitar  wid  me." 

"The  guitar,"  exrlaimed  ]\Iary,  "the  guitar!  For  heaven's 
sake,  Mr.  Girard — if  you  love  me — I  mean,  if  you  love  3-ourself 
— be  not  so  foolhardy.  Do  comfort  me,  by  going  away  while 
your  life  is  your  own  " 

"  Ah  !  never  minJ,  Mary,  dc  guitar  vas  only  a  foolish  idea  of 
mine  head." 


JASPER   CROWE.  219 

"  I  wish  I  could  reach  that  head  will)  father^s  cane/*  uttered 
the  girl. 

"  Jt  is  vera  near,"  rejoined  the  Frenchman;  "  dcr  I  vcr  I  da 
make  de  noise,  der  rests  de  head  against  de  cold  vail.  Now, 
if  I  had  de  guitar,  I  would  sing  \onjolie  chanson." 

7'o  tease  her,  he  began  humming  a  doggrel  verse  : 

"  O,  friends,  gire  ear  unto  de  lav, 

I'll  tell  you  how  I  pass  de  day 

Wid  Mary  Ciowe. 

But  his  punishment  was  at  hand,  nearer  than  he  dreamed  of. 
As  he  had  foolishly  indicaied  the  exact  spot  where  rested  his 
head,  Mary,  with  cane,  or  other  insirumeni,  struck  liic  slender 
wall,  a  smart  blow,  the  vibration  of  which  was  felt  by  her  lover 
more  severely,  than  slie  perhaps  intended. 

"  Dat  is  vun  bad  way  of  beating  tiiue  to  de  music,  Mary,"  cried 
Girard,  "  bwt  1  will  try  anoder  song  : 

O  !  Christmas-night  he  come  at  last, 
While  Mary  Crowe — " 

But  the  threatened  effusion  was  suddenly  cut  short. 

(jirard,  though  indulging  his  wild  humour,  was  too  wary  to 
forget  the  peril.  Whilst  one  ear  was  employed  in  listening  to 
the  replies  of  Mary  Crowe,  and  measuring  the  cadence  of  his  own 
stanzas,  the  other  whs  vigilant  to  detect  the  slightest  occasion  for 
alarm,  in  the  realms  below.  It  was  the  sudden  opening  of  the 
door  of  the  apartment  where  the  Hessians  were  assembled,  and 
the  confluence  of  their  voices,  which  caused  the  Frenchman  to 
cease  abruptly. 

"I  wish  de  promise,  Mary." 

"  What  is  it,  Mr.  Girard,  that  I  am  to  promise  ?"  asked  the 
girl. 

"  Dat  you  do  hear  all  dat  be  said  and  done,  and  you  speak  no 
word,  or  cry," 

"  I  promise,"  rejoined  Mary,  "  but  you  alarm  me  ;  do  you 
hear  anything  ?" 

"  (^ood-night  !  de  deyvils  be  at  foot  of  de  stairs,  and  I  must 
go  hide.     Yen  dey  be  gone  to  bed,  I  vill  come  again." 

Withotit  waiting  to  hear  more,  Girard  went  straight  to  a  group 
of  empty  barrels,  and  getting  into  the  largest,  drew  over  the  top, 
a  small  hamper.  Although  this  moven)ent  was  effected  with  the 
utmost  celerity,  yet  it  was  the  result  of  forethought ;  he  had  pre- 
viously, in  his  mind,  selected  the  barrel  as  place  of  refuge,  should 
circumstances  require  it. 

Scarcely  ensconced,  he  heard  footsteps  on  the  stairs  ;  ignor- 
ant of  the  quarter  in  which  the  Hessians  selected  their  dormito- 
ries, he  surmised  that  they  were  departing  to  their  several  sleep- 
ing-chambers on  the  floor  beneath  the  garret,  and  as  ihey  had 
doubtless  drank  freely,  would  very  soon  fall  asleep,  and  afford 
the  opportunity  of  ^nolher  confabulation  with  Mary  Crowe. 


tl20 


JASPER  CROWE. 


It  \va?,  however,  rather  a  trying  moment,  when  he  heard  iheni 
ascend  to  the  garret  ;  he  blamed  himself  for  not  seizing  the  lost 
opportunity  of  making  a  good  retreat,  when  it  was  in  liis  power. 

"  Dey  must  be  going  to  have  anoder  peep  at  de  stars,''  he  mur- 
mnrcd  in  soliloquy.  "  J  was  vera  wrong  not  to  get  de  first  peep 
by  the  ladder,  ^^importcl  N'i?nporte ,  it  was  de  fate  of  Marc 
Anthony  to  lose  all  through  de  fair  lass,  and  Francois  Girard  be 
not  von  jot  de  viser.  But  vat  vill  become  of  de  poor  General  if 
I  fall — de  grand  nation  may  be  lost  by  mine  folly." 

Po^terily  will  not  give  so  large  a  measure  of  credit  to  Francois 
Girard,  as  he  gave  himself,  in  imagining  that  the  forlmies  of  the 
nascent  reptiblic  depended  upon  his  lying  undiscovered  in  the 
barrel.  Highly  as  individuals  serving  in  the  same  capacity  as 
Girard,  value  the  importance  of  their  services  ;  momentous  to  the 
interests  of  a  slate  as  their  intelligence  oft  proves  ;  yet  our  adven- 
turous Frenchman,  looking  only  on  one  side  of  the  picture,  did 
not  take  into  consideration,  that  "de  poor  general,"  always  made 
some  provision  against  the  loss,  or  non-return,  of  scouting  parties, 
or  individuals. 

The  invaders  of  the  gallant's  solitary  domain  were  Knipj^latch 
and  his  friends.  Potations  deep  had  somewhat  staggered  ihem 
all,  their  step  was  unstcad}',  their  features  (with  the  exception  of 
Knipslatch's)  flushed.  ];Ut  the  couni's  face  was  one  of  unvary- 
ing paleness;  drinking  did  not  redden  it;  late  hours,  or  wild  mirth, 
did  not  change  its  pallid  hue  :  it  was  what  the  French  term  a  tete 
mart.  His  earnest,  and  ofi-tinies,  fearful  gaze  at  Fagel,  was  in 
strange  contrast  with  the  collected,  self-possessed  expression  of 
the  latter.  An  object  of  scrutiny  not  only  to  the  count,  but  to 
Jablonsky  and  .Schulz,  who  were  (both  of  them)  mystified  and 
bewildered  by  his  manner,  which  defied  penetraiion,  and  left  them 
in  glorious  uncertainty  whether  he  were  in  jest,  or  earnest,  he 
demeaned  hinriself  with  the  solemnity  of  one  about  to  perform  a 
feat,  to  which  he  was  indeed  equal,  but  which  severely  tasked 
courage,  and  faculties,  to  accompli.sh. 

"  Do  vou  require  to  construct  a  horoscope,  or  ca.*t  mv  nativity  ?'' 
asked  Knipslatch,  as  he  gazed  aroimd  tlie  desert-loft. 

"  To  a  poor  mortal  who  undertakes  to  predict  the  destiny  of 
his  fellow-man,"  replied  Fagel,  "  such  coiuse  may  be  necessary, 
for  whence  oiherwisc  should  lie  obtain  knowledge,  but  from 
.sources  beyond  his  limited  ken  ?  But  I  pretend  to  nothing  of  the 
kind,  my  dear  count,  I  jjave  no  more  rightful  pretension  to  pre- 
dict future  events,  than  the  old  hag  below.  But  I  can  summon 
those  who  have  the  power — and  there  my  art  ceases  !" 

"  But  you  spoke  of  protection,"  remarked  Knipslatch,  who  it 
was  observable,  was  becoming  more  agitated,  as  the  hour  of  trial 
approached;  "a  line  of  protection!  What  did  you  intend,  or 
mean  ?" 

"  To  protect  you  from  the  possible  effects  of  my  own  act. — 
I  have    but    two   charms.     Que   to    summon   the  being  whom 


JASPER   CROWE.  221 

my  palieni  desires  to  behold  ;  the  other  lo  ensure  him  from  un- 
happy consequences,  should  lie  incur  the  anger  of  the  being  in- 
voked." 

"  But  excuse  me  one  moment,  gentlemen,"  continued  the 
adept ;  "'  I  mns>t  look  on  the  face  of  the  heavens." 

Fagel  ascended  the  ladder,  and  after  several  moments'  survey^ 
came  down. 

"You  will  stand  thus,"  said  he,  leading  TCnipslatch  to  the  centre 
of  the  garret,  and  placing  his  face  in  a  particular  du-ection. 

"  Why  so,  my  good  Fagel  V  asked  the  count,  r-ather  nervously, 
laying  his  hand  on  the  captain's  arm. 

*'  Welt!  if  you  must  be  informed,"  rephed  the  Hessian,  as  a 
faint  smile  spread  over  his  countenance;  "it  is  necessary  that 
you  stand  due  north  and  south,  your  face  being  northward.  My 
object  in  going  aloft  was  to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  polar- 
star." 

Taking  from  his  pocket  a  piece  of  red  chafk,  he  commenced 
drawing  round  the  noviciate  a  circle,  but  paused  when  he  had 
described  a  small  segment — muttered  several  unintelligible  words, 
and  then  recommenced.  After  this  mode,  with  six  nitermissions, 
the  circle  was  completed. 

*'  As  far  as  you  may  be  endangered  by  the  summons,"  uttered 
Fagel  with  cold  solemnity  of  voice  and  rrjaruicr  ;  "  so  far,  are  yon 
now  protected.  Have  you  aught  mare  to  say  ere  I  impress  the 
influence  ?" 

"  Promise  me — and  do  you  join  in  the  promise,  Herren,  Jab- 
Jonsky,  and  Schulz,"  said  the  tremulous  count;  "that  you  keep 
within  hearing.  If  you  will  not,  I  feel  I  shall  have  no  courao-e 
jor  the  essay. 

"  We  will  all  remain  on  the  landing  of  the  floor  beneath,"  re- 
plied Fagel,  in  a  tone  of  quiet  rebuke  ;  "  we  may  not  be  seen,  but 
the  slighiest  word  which  you  utter,  wdl  be  heard  by  your  friends.'^ 

"Then  I  am  prepared,'''  exclaimed  Knipslatch  ;  "  and  may  the 
issue  of  the  interview  be  as  prosperous  to  me,  as  it  has  been  of 
yore,  to  my  foreft titers.'* 

Fiigel  motioned  Jablonsky,  and  Schulz,  to  stand  at  the  head  of 
the  stairs,  thai  they  might  be  prepared  to  descend.  Soon  as  they 
had  taken  the  statioi^  pointed  out,  the  adept  placed  himself  on  the 
outer  edge  of  the  circle,  with  his  back  to  the  count,  his  face  being 
in  the  exact  line  of  the  patient's.  After  declaiming  several  mo- 
ments, in  some  unknown  <lialect,  he  paused,  and  turned  toward  a 
distant  part  of  the  long  garret.  To  the  astonishment  of  Jablonsky 
and  Schulz,  and  the  extreme  terror  of  Knipslatch,  whose  knees 
trembled,  and  whose  hands  shook,  there  proceeded  from  the 
quarter  whence  Fagel  gazed,  several  sounds,  or  words,  resembling 
the  tones  of  the  human  voice. 

"  It  is  our  signal  to  descend,  Count,"  exclaimed  Fagel,  with 
lofty  sublimity  of  utterance,  "  be  qiuck-witted,  and  courageous, 
and  stir  not  beyond  the  circle  ;  we'll  listen  for  your  call." 


222  JASPER  CROWK. 

Il  is  more  Uian  probable,  but  for  ihe  reileralioa,  not  to  venture 
beyond  the  circle,  such  was  ihe  awe  and  terror  of  the  count,  that 
he  would  have  fled  down  stairs,  widi  his  friends. 

The  trio,  taking  with  them  their  lanterns,  descended,  leaving 
poor  Knipslatch  in  darkness.  Gazing  in  each  others'  faces,  they 
waited,  after  reaching  the  landing — one,  two,  three,  perhaps  four 
eeconds — Fagel  preserving  the  appearance  of  as  much  awe  as  his 
companions.  Suddenly,  a  confused  heavy  tread  was  heard ;  there 
was  a  noise  of  falling,  or  rolling,  bodies;  a  loud  prolonged  cry 
from  Knipslatch  ;  a  vivid  flash  of  light,  which  they  all  beheld  ;  a 
loud  crash;  and  all  was  again  silence  and  darkness. 

''  Man  or  demon,"  cried  Jablonsky,  darting  a  furious  glance  at 
Fagel,  "  we  will  summon  fhee  to  a  reckoning." 

Lantern  in  hand,  Jablonsky  rushed  up  stairs  followed  by  Schulz 
— Fagel  lagging  slowly  behind  in  evident  trepidation.  On  ^ain- 
jng  the  loft,  the  count  was  seen  lying  with  his  face  on  the  floor, 
across  his  shoulders  was  flung  the  ladder;  several  barrels  were 
upset,  and  had  rolled  from  their  station, 

"  How  is  this.  Captain  Fagel  ?"  exclaimed  Jablonsky,  pointing 
to  the  body  of  the  count,  "  is  this  your  boasted  protection  ?  if 
there  be  justice,  it  shall  be  meted  to  whom  it  is  due." 

With  assistance  of  Schulz,  Knipslatch  was  carried  down  stairs 
to  his  apartment,  and  placed  on  his  bed.  He  remained  insensi- 
ble, but  the  pulse  siill  Ijcat,  and  he  gradually  gave  otlier  indica- 
tions of  life. 


CHAPTER  VL 


As  we  stood  lately  on  the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  at  McKon- 
kcy's  ferry,  wc  endeavoured  to  transport  ourselves,  in  ima- 
gination, to  the  period  of  llie  great  struggle,  of  which  we  write. 
The  eddying  current  searching  each  corner,  and  nook  of  its 
banks,  glided  as  swiftly  then  as  now  ;  but  liow  different,  in  com- 
plexion and  character,  from  the  present,  peaceful,  healthy  pur- 
suits of  commerce  and  aiirieulture,  which  it  daily  witnesses,  to 
the  scenes  of  martini  strife,  and  predatory  rapine,  then  enacted 
on  its  shores. 

In  the  evening  of  Christmas-day,  soon  as  it  grew  dark,  there 
was  extraordinary  bustle  in  the  American  camp.  Head-quarters, 
at  the  village  of  Newtown,  was  thronged  with  officers  of  the 
patriot-army,  with  messengers,  and  express-riders,  condng  and 
departing.  In  the  iricadows  behind  the  ferry,  the  soldiers  were 
paraded  in  military  array — the  artillery  stood  ready  for  embar- 
kation, and  the  craft  prepared  to  carry  over  the  troops,  and  the 
cannon,  were  laimched  on  the  current. 

The  commander-in-chief  was  in  consultation  with  his  generals, 


JASPER  CROWE.  223 

at  his  quarters,  in  the  villau-e.  Greene  and  Sullivan,  and  Reed 
the  adjutant-general  ;  Colonels  HaniiUon,  and  Baylor  of  the  staff, 
and  Harrison,  the  zealous,  and  indefatigable  secretary,  were 
among  the  number  who  surrounded  their  chief. 

Throughout  the  month  of  December — gloomy  both  in  season 
and  prospects — the  officers  in  communication  wiih  iiis  Excellen- 
cy, could  not  fail  noticing,  that  his  aspect — always  grave  and 
thoughtful — appeared  at  ihat  time  pensive  and  solemn  in  the  ex- 
treme. In  addiiion  to  the  discouragement  arising  from  so  many 
untoward  events,  which  marked  the  close  of  the  campaign,  his 
mind  was  farther  depressed  in  being  obliged,  by  the  force  of  cir- 
cumstances, to  brood  over  ill-fortune  without  chance  of  remedy- 
ing it.  But  now  the  case  was  altered  ;  the  sense  of  security 
in  which  the  foe  indulged,  pointed  the  way  to  action.  Though 
care  siiU  furrowed  the  brow,  the  eye  beamed  with  the  fire  of  en- 
tliusiam,  cahn  yet  deep. 

Afier  issuing  final  instructions,  and  taking  separate  leave  of 
each  officer,  he  rode  out,  with  his  suite,  to  direct  personally,  the 
embarkation.  Ami  tedious  was  the  passage  beyond  calculation  ! 
It  had  been  estimated,  in  council,  that  both  artillery,  and  men, 
would  be  safely  landed  on  the  opposite  bank,  by  midnight;  but 
the  slowly  moving  ice  was  wedged  so  closely,  and  gave  passage 
to  the  crafl  so  reluctantly,  that  it  was  three  o'clock,  in  the  morn- 
ing, before  all  the  artillery  was  disembarked.  By  four  o'clock, 
the  troops  took  up  their  luie  of  march. 

After  midnight,  comirenced  a  storm  of  snow,  and  sleet,  which 
added  much  to  the  difficult}''  of  the  passage  ;  and,  indeed,  the 
delay  was  so  great,  that  the  general  began  to  despair  of  surpris- 
ing the  town.  The  march  through  the  heavy  snow  under  foot, 
and  beneath  the  fall  of  sharp,  arrowy  sleet,  which  almost  blinded 
the  troops,  he  well  knew — though  the  distance  v/as  but  nine 
miles — would  occupy,  at  least,  four  hours  ;  and  that  he  should 
not  reach  Trenton  before  day  fairly  broke. ^  But  this  reflection 
he  wisely  kept  within  his  own  breast ;  he  was  certain  there  was 
now  no  possibility  of  making  a  retreat  without  being  discovered, 
and  harrassed,  on  repassing  the  river,  and  he  determined  to  push 
on  at  all  events,  and  at  every  hazard. 

The  army,  which  consisted  of  two  thousand  four  hundred  men, 
with  twenty  pieces  of  artillery,  was  formed  into  two  divisions  ; 
one  under  General  Sullivan,  to  march  by  the  lower,  or  river-road, 
over  the  bridge  at  mouth  of  Jacob's  creek  ;  the  left  division,  un- 
der General  Greene,  and  his  Excellency  in  person,  to  take  the 
upper,  or  Pennington-road.  As  the  divisions  had  nearly  the 
same  distance  to  march,  and  would  (barring  accident)  arrive  at  the 
same  time,  he  gave  orders,  that  immediately  on  forcing  the  out- 
guards,  his  troops  were  to  push  directly  into  town,  that  they 
might  charge  the  enemy  before  they  had  time  to  form.  It  was 
arranged,  that  Generals  Ewing,  and  Cadwallader,  with  the  Jersey 
and  Pennsylvania  militia,  occupying  stations  below  the  ford  of 


224  JASPER   CROWE. 

Trenton,  should,  durinjr  the  night,  cross  the  river,  southward  of 
the  town,  and  uiake  attack  on  ihal  side  ;  or  if  arriving  too  late, 
10  join  in  the  assanh,  prevent  the  escape  of  the  enemy. 

it  was  about  eight  o'clock,  when  the  advanced  guard  of  Ge- 
neral Greene's  division  arrived  in  llie  vicinity  of  Trenton.  So 
deeply  anxious  was  Washington  in  the  issue  of  the  expedition — 
so  momentous  the  effects  either  of  faiUue,  or  success — tliai  on 
this  occasion,  the  comuiander-in-chief,  wiih  his  aids,  accompanied 
the  march  of  the  out-guards.  It  was  of  the  highest  importance, 
that  the  enemy  sliould  not  suffer  alarm  previous  to  attack,  and 
this  charge  his  Excellencv  took  on  himsel!  personally. 

The  snow,  and  sleet,  which  dm-ing  the  night  proved  so  disas- 
trous, was  now  of  service  in  obscuring  the  approach.  At  a 
juncture,  when  the  sharpest  look-out  was  preserved  by  the  ad- 
vancnig  party,  an  individual  suddenly  threw  himself  in  the  mid- 
dle of  the  road.  He  was  instantly  surrounded,  and  his  person 
secured,  that  he  might  neither  escape,  nor  give  alarm. 

"  De  safety  of  Congress"  cried  Girard. 

"  Release  your  prisoner,"  said  the  subaltern  in  comruand  of 
the  guards,  "  he  is  a  friend." 

"  Well,  Mr.  Girard,  cried  Washington  riding  up,  "  lime  presses. 
In  a  word,  how  stands  it  in  TreiUon  ?" 

The  spy  replied  briefly,  that  the  Hessians  were  sleeping  after 
their  carouse — and  the  troop  of  British  light-horse  were  in  the 
some  pri'dicanient. 

"But  the  guards — and  pickets?"  exclaimed  Washington  hastily; 
"  is  good  watch  preserved  at  the  oui-posts  ?" 

Giraid  answered,  that  as  far  as  his  scouting  went,  though  the 
troops  had  been  indulged,  yet  discipline  was  maintained,  and  the 
out-guards  regularly  relieved. 

"  Whereshall  wefind  iheirpicket  ?"  demandedhis  Excellency. 

Perhaps  two  hundred  yards  hence — maybe  a  greater  distance 
— was  the  reply.  The  certainty  of  being  taken,  or  shot,  prevent- 
ed the  scout  ascertaining  the  spot  with  more  exactitude.  He 
did  not  fear  the  danijcr — he  added — it  was  the  dread  of  being 
unable  to  serve  his  Excellency,  which  made  liim  keep  aloof. 

"  Hand  him  a  fire-lock,  and  let  liim  fall  in,"  said  the  general. 

The  march  recommenced.  At  a  short  distance  in  advance,  at 
an  angle  of  the  road,  stood  a  cottage  ;  llie  owner  was  at  the 
door,  chopping  wood. 

On  seeuig  the  guard  approach,  the  man  attempted  to  retreat 
within  doors,  but  was  secui-ed,  ere  he  could  effect  his  purpose. 

"  Where  is  the  Hessian  sentinel  ?"  asked  the  general. 

The  cottaiier,  ihrougli  fear,  or  other  cause,  made  no  reply. 

"  Speak — and  quickly,  my  good  fellow."  cried  Colonel  Bay- 
lor, "iliis  is  General  \^'ashingtorl." 

"  God  bless  your  Excellency,"  said  the  man  finding  speech, 
"the  sentinel  is  under  that  large  oak — he  is  sore  driven  by  the 
storm  " 


JASPER  CROWE.  225 

A  push  was  iinmedialely  made  to  surprise  the  Hessian,  ere 
he  could  give  alarin,  but  unlorluiialely,  he  espied  his  foes  in  lime 
to  retreat,  after  dischargintj  his  fiie-lock. 

There  was  now  no  resource  but  in  a  rapid  movement  to  pene- 
trate ihe  town.  Tlie  picket,  to  which  the  fugitive  sentinel  was 
attached,  made  no  stand,  as  iheir  number  was  but  small,  but 
they  nevertheless  behaved  very  well,  keeping  up  a  constant  re- 
treating fire  from  behind  houses. 

Soon  as  his  Excellency  came  within  view  of  the  interior  of 
the  town,  and  saw  that  ihe  inain  body  of  the  enemy  was  forming 
in  ihe  streets,  he  ordered  his  artillery-men  to  advance  with  three 
light  pieces. 

The  firing  now  heard  in  another  quarter,  proclaiming  the  ar- 
rival, and  engagement,  of  ^iiullivan's  division,  cheeied  and  en- 
couraged the  troops  under  Washingion.  His  artillery  in  advanc- 
ing were  met  by  a  heavy  galling  fire  which  struck  down  many  a 
brave  soldier,  but  being  supported  by  light  troops  under  the  coin- 
mand  of  his  Excellency,  who  marched  at  their  head,  the  cannon 
were  brought  to  bear,  and  speeddy  swept  from  the  streets,  the 
half-formed  Hessian  ranks.  The  enemy's  cannon  was  seized 
after  a  short  and  severe  resistance — and  they  fled  on  ail  sides. 
The  British  light-horse,  and  many  of  the  German  infantry,  es- 
caped by  a  bridge  over  the  Assanpink  creek,  (which  forms  a 
boundary  to  the  town,  eastward,)  and  as  the  Pennsylvania,  and 
New  Jersey,  militia,  were  unable  to  cross  the  Delaware,  and  in- 
vest the  cantonment  on  fhat  side,  they  made  good  their  retreat 
to  Bordentown. 

The  main  corps  of  the  Hessians  being  hard  pressed,  attempted 
to  file  off"  by  a  road  on  (heir  right,  (near  the  banks  of  the  Assan- 
pink,) leading  to  Princeton,  but  his  Excellency  perceiving  their 
intention,  threw  a  body  of  troops  in  their  way,  which  immedi- 
ately checked  the  design.  Finding  themselves  surrounded — re- 
treat cut  off — that  they  must  inevitably  be  cut  to  pieces,  if  they 
made  farther  resistance,  the  drum  sounded  a  parley,  and  after  a 
short  conference,  they  agreed  to  lay  down  their  arms. 

*'  Where  is  Colonel  Rahl  '^"  demanded  the  commander-in- 
chief. 

"  Your  Excellency  will  receive  his  surrender  in  a  few  mi- 
nutes," replied  Baylor,  "  but  I  fear  he  is  wounded  beyond  re- 
covery." 

Even  while  he  spoke,  the  Hessian  commandant  was  borne  by 
a  file  of  his  own  sergeants.  He  had  scarce  strength,  as  his 
sword — in  token  of  surrender — was  handed  to  Washington,  to 
exchange  salutation  with  his  conqueror.  He  had  demeaned  him- 
self bravely,  in  ihe  vain  attempt  to  form  and  rally  his  troops  un- 
der the  sweeping  fire  of  the  American  aridleiy,  and  was  carried 
off  to  quarters,  bearing  with  him  the  sympathy,  and  respect,  of 
his  enemies. 

"  This  is  a  proud  day,  gentlemen,  both  for  the  army  and  for 
IS 


nB 


JASPER  CROWE. 


Congress,"  exclaimed  his  Excellency,  glancing  around  on  his 
victorious  troops,  *'  but  our  task  is  not  complete,  till  we  secure 
what  we  have  won." 

As  it  was  supposed — with  much  probability — hat  many  of 
tlie  Hessians  were  concealed  in  the  houses  to  which  they  had 
fled,  either  for  shelier,  or  to  escape  capture,  a  strict  search  com- 
menced which  resulted  in  a  great  increase  of  prisoners,  both  of- 
ficers and  privates. 

ISix  lirass  fieliJ-pieces — about  a  thousand  stand  of  arms,  and 
ihe  same  number  of  prisoners,  Avere  the  results  of  the  surprise 
at  Trenton.  But  to  estimate  the  importance  of  this  lucky  hit  by 
the  number  of  captives  taken,  or  arms  secured,  was  far  umJerrat- 
iug  its  advantages.  In  the  low  ebb  to  which  the  mililarv  af- 
fairs of  the  Republic  were  reduced,  the  successful  issue  of  the 
enierprise  was  calculated  to  inspire,  with  renewed  courage,  the 
wavering  spirits  of  the  nation — to  give  it  more  thorough  confi- 
dence in  Congress  and  the  army,  and  to  stimulate  it  lo  fresh  ex- 
ertions for  the  common  weal. 

The  merit  of  the  enterprise  Iny  in  the  plan  and  conception, 
and  the  perseverance  with  which  it  was  completed ;  in  the 
trarispoit  of  the  army  across  a  river  blockaded  with  floating  ice 
—ill  marching  soldiers,  destitute  of  shoes  and  other  essential 
clothing,  through  a  pitiless,  relentless  storm,  in  the  depth  of  win- 
ter, rather  than  in  the  actual  conflict.  The  engHgement,  from 
the  commencement,  was  entirely  in  favour  of  the  assailants,  who 
out-numbered  the  foe,  and  had  the  advantage  of  taking  them  by 
surprise. 

General  Ewing  was  to  have  crossed,  before  daylifiht,  at  Tren- 
ton-ferry, and  taken  possession  of  the  bridge  over  the  Assanpink 
creek  ;  but  the  quantity  of  ice  was  so  great,  that  although  he  did 
everything  in  his  power  to  effect  it,  he  could  not  accomplish  the 
passage.  The  same  difficulty  also  hindered  General  Cadvvala- 
der,  with  the  Pennsylvania  militia,  froin  crossing  ai  Bristol-foid. 
If  either,  or  both,  of  these  officers  had  succeeded,  the  surprise 
would  have  been  more  complete,  the  nutiiber  of  captives,  and 
arms,  taken,  much  larger. 


CHAPTER  VH. 


In  connecting  the  severed  links  of  our  narrative,  it  is  necessary 
tliat  wo  return  to  our  acquaintaince  at  Jasper  Crowe's  old  man- 
sion. 

When  tlie  coimt  was  borne  senseless  to  his  bed,  the  most  assi- 
duous attention  was  rendered  both  by  Jablonsky  and  Schulz. 
The  presence  of  a  surgeon  was  needful,  and  it  was  debated 
wliether  the  rejiimental  functionary  should   be  sent  for;  but  the 


JASPER  CROWS.  227 

extraordinary,  and  unaccountable  manner  in  which  Knipslalch 
canae  by  his  ml^hap — the  impossibiliiy  of  explaining  whai  liad 
•accrued  by  human  agency — rendered  his  friends  exiremelv  aveit-e 
not  only  to  summoning  the  surgeon,  but  even  calling  in  the  aid 
oi  Franz,  or  Diana  <jroois. 

His  pulse  vibrated,  and  his  breath  dimmed  the  surface  of  a 
mirror  which — in  ilieir  deep  concern  for  his  faie — they  applied 
\o  ihe  mouih  of  the  sufferer.  That  he  was  alive  was  evident — 
that  he  would  be  soon  rest()red  to  a  state  of  consciousness,  and 
relieve  them  from  the  consequences  of  a  most  disagreeable  di- 
lemma, was  their  confident  liope. 

The  behaviour  of  Fagel  was  almost  as  extraordinary  as  the 
event  which  his  agency  originated.  All  former  confidence,  and 
self-possession,  seemed  to  have  deserted  him.  Unwillingly — 
will)  fear  and  tremblinij — he  had  followed  into  the  loft,  to  ascer- 
tain the  fate  of  the  count.  He  was  too  much  overcome  with 
■emotion,  to  assist  in  the  patient's  removal;  and  now  sat  by  the 
bed-side,  a  concerned,  ihough  helpless,  spectator  of  the  condition 
into  which  he  had  brought  his  victim. 

When  Knipslatch  at  length  opened  his  eyes,  and  beheld  by 
whom  he  was  surrounded,  he  turned  a  reproachful  gaze  on 
Fagel. 

"  I  predicted  this  result,"  he  uttered  with  difficulty,  "  and  I 
dreaded  it." 

''  What  result  my  dear  count,"  said  Jablonsky,  taking  hk  hand, 
*'  what  was  it  that  you  belield  ?" 

Knipsjatch  shook  his  head,  intimating  by  gesture,  that  he  was 
yet  too  weak  to  hold  discourse. 

Ardent  spirits,  mixed  with  water,  were  administered  with  hap- 
py effect.  He  gradually  recovered  from  the  double  effect  of  the 
severe  nervous  shock,  and  the  blow  struck  by  the  falling  ladder. 

The  account  he  was  enabled  to  give  was  as  follows  :  His 
friends  had  scarcely  left  him  in  darkness,  when  he  beheld,  by  ilie 
faint  glimmer  of  the  stars,  and  the  indirect  rays  of  the  lanierns 
on  the  landing  below,  the  awful  influence  which  Fagel  had  sum- 
moned, rise  ttu-ough  the  floor  to  a  colossal  height.  In  its  pro- 
gress, the  lumber  with  which  the  garret  was  encumbered,  was 
Avhirled  about  on  all  sides.  The  direful  being,  v^hich  for  so  many 
centuries  either  favoured,  or  tormented,  the  family,  deigned  nut 
to  confer  with  its  present  degenerate  representative.  To  testify 
iis  anger,  a  sudden  flash  of  liglitning  was  flung  in  the  eyes  of  the 
bewildered  nobleman — and,  with  a  horrid  screech,  the  spectre 
flew  through  the  roof  ! 

"  I  saw  the  flash,"  said  Jablonsky,  "  my  eye  could  not  be  de- 
ceived." 

"  Nor  my  ears,"  added  Schulz  ;  "  it  was  an  awful  noise — and 
God  help  me  !  I  hope  the  season  is  very  distant  when  J  shall  pass 
such  another  evening." 

"  How  happened  ii,Captain  Fagel,"  asked  Knipslatch,  rising, 
18* 


ZZS  JASPER  CROWE. 

from  his  pillow,  "  did  you  omit  what  you   ought  to  have   per^ 
formed  ?" 

"No!  no!  Herrvon  Knipslairh,"  replied  Fiigel,  "  the  omis- 
«ion  would  have  been  a  virtue.     1  have  practisied  deception  " 

"  How  ?  how,  sir  ?""  demanded  the  count,  "  what  1  saw  was- 
leal." 

"  Who  will  accompany  me  to  the  loft  ?"  asked  Fagel,  looking 
alternately  at  Schulz  and  Jablonsky,  "if  1  ca.inot  satisfy  my 
fears,  I  vvdl  at  Jea>i!  reveal  all  I  know." 

Schulz  looked  exceedingly  blank  at  this  proposal,  but  Jahlon- 
sky  beina  determined  lo  fathom  to  the  bottom,  ihe  mystery,  both 
of  the  apparent  supernatural  event,  and  his  fellow-officer's  suspi- 
cious behaviour,  agreed  lo  accompany  him.  Whatever  wcie  the 
nature  of  FageTs  agency,,  it  was  impossible  for  the  Pole  lo  be- 
lieve otherwise  ilian^  that  the  Hessian  was  now  as  terror-siricken- 
as  Knipslatch  had  shown  himself  previous  lo  the  ceremony.  He 
suffered  Jablonsky  to  lead  the  way.  On  arriving  at  the  loft,  he 
gazed  around  with  an  expression  in  whieh  f«ar  antl  astonishment^ 
strove  for  mastery. 

"•  See  f  the  trap  has  fallen,  or  been  &hut.  Who,  or  what  could 
have  done  that  ?"  asked  the  captain. 

"Aye  !  you  may  well  ask  that  question,"  replied  Jablonsky,, 
**"and  who  rolled  thpse  barrels?  Now  none  ou^ht  to  be  able  to- 
afford  an  explanation  so  well  as  yourself!^ 

"  On  my  word  of  iionour.  Captain  Jablonskv,"  cried  Fagcl, 
laying  hrs  hand  on  the  Pole^s  shoulder  ;  the  latter  felt  his  hand 
treml)le  ;  "  1  am  guiltless  u{  necromancy.  My  only  crime  was- 
practising  on  the  count's  feais  to  an  improper  extent.  I  was- 
maddened  that  we  eould  not  discover  the  girl  we  s^Jpposed  hidden 
in  the  house,  and  was  ripe  for  any  mischief  which  presented. 
Our  friend's  foolish  fancies  gave  too  ready  occasion.  I  am  truly 
sorry  for  what  has  happened." 

"You  astound  me,  Facrel,"  said  Jablonskvr  changing  colour, 
"  both  ydmlz,  and  myself,  believed  you  were  fooling,  till  the  re- 
sult convinced  us  there  was  more  than  mere  trickery.  Do  you 
affirm.  Captain  Fagel,  that  the  voice  we  heard,,  before  we  left  lliis 
spot,  was  not  a  response  to  your  cull  ?" 

"  It  was  my  own  voice  counterfeited,  so  as  to  appear  coming 
from  a  distant  part,"  replied  Fagel,  "there  is  no- magic  in  ihal.'^ 

"  Maybe,"^  observed  the  Fole^  "  I  have  heard  of  such  decep- 
tion. But  the  flash  of  light — the  rolling  barrels — the  falling  lad- 
der.    Had  you  an  accomplice?" 

"Of  these  matters,  C^iptain  Jablonsky,"  exclaimed  the  Hes- 
sian, with  much  emotion,  "  I  am  entirely  innocent.  I  know  not 
how  lo  account  for  them,  and  though  a  foolhardy  man,  almost 
believe  that  an  evil  sprite  obeved  my  rash  summons." 

"'Tis  strange,"  observed  Jablonskv,  pondering,  "for  credit 
you,  or  not,  I  do  not  see  how  you  could  find  the  opporlimity  of 


JASPER  ^nowE,  229 

(Concerting  with  an  accornpline.     BiU  aid  me  to  replace  the  lad- 
•der,  and  I  will  take  a  glance  above." 

'I'he  Pole  naonnted,  hfted  tlie  trap,  and  looked  over  ihe  sides 
of  ihe  sloping  roof.  The  snow,  and  i^leel,  fell  thick  and  fast,  and 
^he  soon  descended. 

"  h  must  have  been  a  good  genius  after  all,'"  said  Jablonsky, 
trying  lo  piu  asmilingface  on  the  event,  *"  for  seeing  that  a  storm 
was  coming  on,  he  took  care  lo  close  the  trap.  Idu  not  see  ifiat 
ihe  has  left  any  vestige  behind;  not  even  a  bad  odour;  so  let's 
away,  and  console  poor  Knipslatch." 

"  Do  you  break  iilo  him  !''  whispered  Fagel,  as  they  descend- 
ed the  stairs,  together. 

Both  liie  count,  and  Schuk,  w^re  on'the  str-elch  of  expectation, 
when  their  friends  reappeared, 

"  Why,  Count,  you  look  quite  a  different  man,"  cried  Jablon- 
€ky,  gaily,  "from  what  you  appeared  iifieen  minutes  ago;  and 
our  friend,  Fagel,  has  made  a  confession  which  will  nodoubtset 
your  mind<iuiie  at  ease."" 

'J'hereupon,  the  Pole  related  wiiat  they  had  seen,  and  what 
Fajiel  lind  confessed. 

The  relation  had  certainly  an  cxtraordinar}'  effect  upon  the 
count.  His  face  ciiafiged  to  an  expression  of  deep  and  sullen 
anger;  aiul  his  strength  seemed  perfectly -restored.  He  arose 
from  bed,  arranged  his  disordered  apparel,  and  confronting  the 
Hessian,  told  him  in  a  few  wcrrds,  tlxal  there  was  but  one  mode 
of  wiping  off  the  disgrace  and  ridicule,  which  had  been  ilung  on 
himself,  and  his  family;  and  he  would  have  satisfaction  before 
"daybrcaii. 

"  I  have  too  often  shown  my  cnud-age-.  Major  Knipslatch,  for 
even  yt^'i  to  dispute  it,"  said  Fa<iei,  cajnily,  "  but  I  would  pre- 
fer not  meeting  v»u.  '*  I  iiave  done  yau  wrong,  and  regret  it — 
accept  my  acknowledgments  and  apology." 

"  I  cannot,  if  I  would,''  replied  the  count,  after  a  moment's 
consideration,  *'  the  affair  trmst  go  farther,  or  1  shall  become — 
%vlien  the  whole  story  gets  wind— the  ridicule  and  laughing-stock 
of  the  army." 

"No!  no!"  said  Schiilz,  interposing,  "  as  the  c?iptain  apolo- 
gizes, what  more  can  he  do,  or  what  more  can  be  expected  ?" 

"  As  far  as  regards  him,""  rejoined  Knipslatch,  "the  argument 
applies.  Hut  you  know  niy  feeling>;  j'ou  know  to  what  secret 
cause  [  attribute  tfie  misforiunes  which  have  befallen  mp.  'J'here 
•shall  be,  Captain  Fagel.  for  my  insulled  honour,  a -deeper  feeling 
than  ridicule  excited  in  the  breasts  of  those  who  hear  the  story, 
and  the  comments  passed  on  it.  Captain  Jablonsky,  I  must 
again  tax  your  friendship." 

"  Herr  von  Knipshueh,"  exclaimed  Fagel.  gravely,  "  I  am  only 
adding  to  my  wrong  in  meeting  you  hostilely.  I  pray  vou  ta 
think  of  some  other  mode.  The  occasion  does  not  justify  my 
actintf." 


230  JASPBR  CROWE. 

"Thai  I  can  remedy,  Captain  Fagel,"  cried  Knip.slalch,  sirik- 
ing  ihc  oilier  a  blow,  wiili  ilie  open  liaiid,  acioss  liij-  mouih. 

"  There  is  now  indeed,  I  am  afraid,  no  help  (or  ii,"  rejoined 
the  Hessi.in,  *'  H.e^r^^chn!z  will,  I  hope,  arrange  everyihmg  with 
Capiain  Jablonskv,  and  I  shall  be  found  in  niy  own  quarier^." 

Saying  ihis,  Kagr^l  qiiiued  the  chamber  ;  and  Schulz  piesenily 
followed.  When  Jablonskv,  and  Knip.slalch,  were  lefi  alone,  ihe 
laiier  asked  ihe  Pole  lo  leil  liim,  candidly,  wiieiher  he  had  acted 
right  in  forcing  a  meeiing. 

Jablonskv  repln  d  ihal  lookmg  onlv  to  the  consequences  which 
affeelcd  himse.lt,  and  die  service  to  which  ihey  were  boih  attach- 
ed, he  would  say  the  roiuil  dui  wmno  ;  bul  considering  the  pe- 
culiar feelings,  and  sit'vation  of  his  friend,  and  sympathizint;  with 
}iim,  he  conid  not  affirm,  bul  what  he  sbouhi  have  acted  the  same 
way  himself, 

''  Tlini  ij*  spoken  like  an  honest  man  and  a  gemleman,"  ex- 
claimed Knip>Iatch,  shakijigthe  other  warniiy  by  the  hand;  "yoii 
are  indeed  my  h'iend." 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Apper  preliii>inarie&  were  arranyed  bv  the  seconds-,  they  took 
their  princip'ds  lo  the  intendeil  scene  (f  action — the  long  garret 
on  the  upper  floor.  'I'o  fiiihi  out  of  d<w>rs..  in  midst  of  the  chilly 
storm,  was  impracticable  ;  to  postpone  the  event  was  contrary  to 
the  wish  of  Kiiipslaich,  amf  even  of  Fagel,  since  he  found  il  im- 
possible to  decline  tlie  meelini;.  It  was  agreed,  as  the  reoinien- 
tal  surgeon  was  quailered  in  the  vicinity,  lo  defer  sending  for 
him  till  occasion  should  require  his  services. 

The  old  loft  broiioht  assoeiations  to  each  party,  poweifiil 
ei'.omih  to  divert  the  inind  even  from  the  intended  rencontre. 
Knipslatch  was  confiruied,  bv  the  extraordinary  occurrence  in 
hereiiitary  sn[)erslition,  thouuh  no  man  was  more  sensibly  alive 
lo  ridicHle,  of  which  he  felt  he  shouM  h«}ve  his  fni'l  share,  when 
the  mysiilicalion  [iraciised  bv  Fagel  yoi  wind.  Bclievii  g  in  the 
existence  of  a  famiJiar,  v\hich  haunted  his  race,  he  found  it  difficult 
to  reconcile  its  appearance  wi^h  Fagel's  confession  of  deception. 
k  could  only  be  soived  on  the  sup[)osilion,  that  the  Hessian  had, 
like  a  child  in  an  armoury  unwitiini/ly  played  with  weapons  of 
which  he  knew  not  the  powoir,  or  the  use 

F.igel  himself  stooil  ill  almost  .similar  predicament,  with  respecl> 
to  his  fiiih  ;  he  had  smmnoned  the  evil  one  in  joke,  and  behold  I 
he  ha<i  appeared.  Of  i^early  ihe  same  complexion  were  the 
ihoughts  of  Jablonskv  and  8chuJz  ;  soniPthinii  supernnfural  had 
intervened,  thongh  whether  tlnouizh  ihe  agency  of  FafjePs  invo- 
cations,, or  at  Knipslalch's  silent  appeal,  tliey  could  not  determine. 


JASPER    CROWE.  23-1 

Jahlonsky,  the  most  sceptical  of  I  he  party,  could  not  in  anv  wise 
reduce  ihe  phenomena  to  the  probabilities  of  natural  experience. 

Possessed  wiih  these  feelings,  ilie  momentous  occasion  which 
brought  the  parlies  logetfier,  was  rendered  more  grave  and  se- 
rious. The  li^ditness,  or  nonchalance,  which  ordinarily  charac- 
terises, or  which  is  assumeil,  by  ihe  mditar}^  characier,  under 
circumstances  such  as  atiendcd  the  quarrel  of  Kuipslalch  and 
Fagel,  was  subdued  to  a  solemn  gravity • 

At  the  instance  of  Fagel,  one  more  attempt  was  made  to  com- 
promise the  mailer,  but  Jablonsky  and  his  princi[)al  buih  declareil, 
that  friendship  coidd  not  possibly  be  riinewed  till  shots  had  been 
exchanged.  Without  fur?her  delay,  the  distance  was  then  mea- 
sured, and  the  combatants  phiced.  Knipslatch  sto^Ki  near  the  wall 
which  divided  the  lofl  from  the  miser's  private  apartment ;  Fagel 
was  placed  opposite,  at  an  interval  of  fifteen  paces. 

The  weapons  chosen  were  pistols.  Preference  wonld  have 
been  given  toeitiier  the  broad,  or  small  sword,  hu\  the  infirm  stale 
of  Ktiipslatch's  health,  in  addition  lo  the  severe  shock  his  frame 
had  experienced,  dictated  the  more  equable  substitute  of  fire- 
arms. 

"  (s  vour  friend  prepared  ?"  cried  Jablonsky. 

Schulz  answered  in  the  affiimative, 

"Then  let  it  be  understood,  as  we  have  agreed,"  rejoined  the 
Pole,  "  tfiat  both  parlies  fire  at  the  instant  that  I  drop  the  scarf." 

'flip  Pole  stood  midway  between  the  combatants,  though  far 
beyond  the  line  of  fire.  Schulz  was  on  the  otlier  side.  The 
eyes  of  the  principals  were  fixed  on  Jablonsky:  he  held  aloft 
the  red  scarf  for  a  second  ;  it  then  fell  from  his  hand,  and  both 
pistols  were  discharged  together. 

Neither  party  fell,  but  the  double  report  was  followed  by  a 
most  terrific  crash,  which  to  ordinary  ears  might  resemble  the 
smashing  of  glass  and  crockerv-ware,  united  with  the  screams  of 
a  female  voice  ;  but  to  the  asiounded  officers,  whose  minds  were 
already  beset  with  superstitious  fears,  the  sudden  avalanche  of 
sound  bade  i.hcm  prepare  to  behold  the  spectre  which  before 
frighted  Knipslaich. 

"  My  hour  is  come,  Jablonsky — shield  me — I  cannot  bear  the 
sight  I"  exclaimed  t'le  Count,  dropping  on  his  knees,  and  placing 
both  hands  before  his  eyes. 

Fagel  looked  aghast ;  the  pistol  fell  from  his  hand,  and  he 
stood  on  the  spot  where  he  firi-d,  cowed  and  stricken  with  i error. 

"  When  will  this  end,  gentlemen  ■?"  he  exclaimed.  "I  ix  ly 
you,  let  us  cease  our  quarrels,  and  seek  relief  from  this  h*  '  sh 
spell."  The  seconds  were  almost  as  iimch  amazed  and  j:)etrified 
as  their  principals. 

Meanwhile  the  t^creams  coniiiuied,  intermingled  with  aji  oc- 
casional clatter  of  disl<»dge<l,  or  fallincr,  pieces  of  glass. 

"The  spirit  still  ihreatens,"  uttered  ihe  terrified  Count.  v>''h- 
out  daring  to  open  his  eyes. 


232  JASPER    CROWK. 

"  Murder!  thieves  !  robbery  !  help  !"  shouted  a  maTe  voice. 

"Come,  rouse  yoursell"^  my  friend,"  cried  Jablonsky,  laughing,, 
and  seizing  Knipslatch  by  ilie  arm  ;  "  up,  man,  aud  casi  away 
terror !  This  is  not  your  devil,  but  an  AiiKTicaii  iiend,  who 
speaks  English  with  ;he  accent  of  a  native.  He  was  born  here,. 
I  do  assure  you," 

"  Do  not  }e&i  with  my  infirmity,  Captain  Jablonsky,'*  said  the 
Count,  rising  and  looking  fearfully  about. 

•'  Gentlemen,"  remarked  Jablonsky,  "I  suspect  we  have  beet> 
fooled,  or  fooling  ourselves  ;  but  stay — Schulz,  your  friend  is 
wounded." 

"No,  no !"  exclaimed  Faget,  "the  skin  of  the  arm  torn;  no- 
Ihing  more,  I  do  assure  you,'' 

The  wound,  on  inspection,  proved  as  slight  as  he  intimated. 

Returning  to  the  former  subject,  Jablonsky  translated  the  words 
uttered  by  the  unknown,  and  suggested  that  they  should  break 
down  the  wall,  as  he  suspected  it  would  turn  out  that  iheir  host, 
Herr  Crowe,  had  some  secret  closet  or  store  behind. 

'*  Here  is  the  aperture  made  by  Fagel's  buFiel,"  cried  Schulz^ 
pointing  to  a  hole  in  the  plaster, 

"I  am  thankful  it  took  that,  rather  than  another  direction,"  ob- 
served the  Hessian. 

Knipslatch,  who  had  partially  recovered  from  his  terror,  sug- 
gesied,  that  before  the  wall  was  cast  down,  they  had  better  sum- 
mon the  garrison;  he  certainly  heard  a  whispering;  perhaps^ 
Captain  Fagel  could  yet  explain  the  whole  manoeuvre. 

Fiigel  asserted  his  innocence,  and  proposed  that  Jablonsky 
should  adopt  the  Count's  hint. 

'I'hus  appealed  to,  Jablonsky  applied  his  mouth  to  the  aper- 
lore,  and  demanded  that  whoever  were  behind,,  should  njake 
himsnif  krvown. 

There  w^as  no  reply  or  signal, 

"  Summon  the  garrison  agahi,'' cried  Schulz. 

Jablonsky  repeated  the  summons,  with  addition,,  that  if  no  an- 
swer were  made,  he  woidd  force  an  entry. 

The  Pole  detected,  or  fancied,  he  heard  a  slight  whispering, 
and  a  hasty  negative  in  reply  :  but  the  sunmions  was  tinheeded. 

"  Now  I  will  try  the  third  lime,"  cried  Jablonsky,  and  then 
we'll  vary  our  pleasant  Christmas  pastimes,  by  an  assault," 

The  third  summons  met  with  the  same  fate  as  the  second  and 
first. 

*'  Depend  upon  if,  Count,"  said  Jablonsky,  as  Schu!z  brought 
wp  an  axe,  "  we  shall  discover  your  fanu'liar." 

The  first  blow  shaiiered  the  planter,  laid  bare  and  broke  the 
bathes.  It  was  arcompnnicd  by  loud  shrieki-ng  within.  Half-a- 
dozen  vigorous  blows  made  a  breach  wide  and  high  enough  to- 
afford  injzrcss  to  the  fortress, 

Ou  cnterinfT.  they  discovered  a  chamber,  piled  from  floor  to 
ccihng,  with  boxes,  beds,  and   miscellaneous   articles  ©f  every 


JASPER    CROWE.  233 

description.  In  one  corner,  half-dressed,  in  ihe  state  in  which 
he  li.id  rushed  np  slairs,  on  hearinii;  ihe  report  of  fire-arms,  stood 
Jasper  Crowe,  pale  and  trembling,  yet  wiih  resolute  eye,  and 
pistols  in  hand,  keepintr  guard  over  a  leatlier  trunk.  Wear  him 
crouched  a  young  maiden,  with  apparel  disurdered,  and  hair  fal- 
ling wildly  over  her  shoulders,  the  very  picture  of  terror  and 
despair. 

The  display,  on  every  side,  of  rich  furniture  and  provisions — 
hams,  in  rows,  without  number;  wine,  in  casks  and  botiles — 
drove  from  the  minds  of  the  Hessians  every  trace  of  supersti- 
tion. 

"  What  has  he  in  the  trunk  he  stands  guard  over  so  firmly?" 
cried  ISchulz. 

"  Here  is  our  prize,  and  a  fair  one  she  proves,"  exclaimed  Fa- 
gel,  cazing  at  the  damsel. 

"  We  have  a  sirotig  curiosily,  FTerr  Crowe,  afier  all  the  trou- 
ble we  have  undergone,"  said  Jablonsky,  advancing,  "to  have  a 
peep  at  ihe  interior  of  the  trunk.  Is  there  more  cold  fowl  and 
wine  hidden  ?" 

•'  Stand  oflf,  men  !  stand  ofT !"  cried  Jasper  in  a  shrill,  tremu- 
lous tone,  with  one  foot  on  the  trunk,  a  pistol  in  each  hand,  point- 
ed at  the  intruders,  and  which  shook  in  his  nerveless  grasp;  yet 
he  stood  determined  to  part  with  the  treasure  only  with  life. 

"  Stand  off!  I  say,"  continued  the  old  man,  as  Jablonsky  con- 
tinued to  advance,  "  J'U  fire  both  pistols  into  ye." 

"Go  not  near  him,  sir,  he's  desperate,"  cried  Marv,  flinging 
herself  between  her  father,  and  Jablonsky.  "Use  us,  sir,  as  you 
would  have  vour  own  sisters  and  parents  used,  and  we'll  submit 
to  your  will." 

"  iNo,  no  !"  gasped  the  old  miser,  "  I'll  surrender  nothing  ;  it's 
mine,  all  mine." 

Meanwhile  Fayel,  after  casting  a  glance  round  the  chamber, 
made  free  with  a  handsome  fowling-piece,  of  antique  cousirue- 
tion,  inlaid  with  silver  and  ivory. 

"  It  is  mine  !"  cried  Jasper,  making  a  spring  at  Fagel.  Drop- 
ping one  pistol,  he  grasped  the  fowling-piece  with  one  hand,  and 
pointed  the  other  weapon  at  the  captain's  breast. 

Mary,  alert  to  [)revent  bloodshed,  and  its  fearful  cf>nseqiiences, 
had  barely  lime  to  dash  aside  the  barrel  of  the  pistol,  as  Jasper, 
in  his  phrenzied  passion  to  protect  his  property,  pulled  the  trig- 
ger.    The  ball  pissed  harrrdess  into  the  wall. 

Fagel,  enraged  at  the  attack,  seized  the  old  man  by  the  throat. 
In  the  strusgle,  they  fell  together  on  the  floor. 

*'  Part  them  !   part  them  !"  cried  Knipslatch. 

Jablonsky  and  Schulz,  with  difficulty,  succeeded  in  rescuing 
Jasper  from  the  grasp  of  the  Hessian. 

•'  Protect  us,  sir — do  you  protect  us  !"  exclaimed  Mary,  falling 
on  her  knees  before  Knipslatch,  "  \^'hat  in  reason  you  would 
have,  we  will  give.  My  father  is  an  old  man  and  passionate  ; 
his  goods  he  loves  better  than  me — better  than  his  life." 


234 


JASPER    CROWE, 


"  What  does  this  poor  s'nl  say,  Jablonsky  ^"  asked  the  Count, 
as  he  hfied  her  from  ihe  floor. 

The  Pole  comtiiunicated  ihe  substance  of  her  appeal. 

"  h  is  but  reasonable,"  said  KMip>lalch.  "  My  friends,"  he 
continued,  "let  us  make  a  treaty  with  this  lilile  maiden  ;  her  fa- 
ther is  a  blockhead  and  an  ass,  and  we  need  not  heed  him — 
tho'igh  look  lo  him  close." 

Fagel  was  snlJen,  and  muttered  dissent;  the  land,  he  said,  was 
capiive,  and  all  thai  was  in  it  belonged  to  the  conqneiors.  Hut 
on  Knipslalch  requiring  his  forbearance,  as  the  only  terins  nn 
which  he  would  consent  t ..  forget  the  past,  and  renew' friendship, 
the  1. liter  pronjised  acquiescence. 

The  Count  ihen  i-istrucied  Jablonsky  to  propose,  tliat  ihey 
should  be  supplied  dady  with  a  fair  quantity  of  what  Jasper  pos- 
sessed in  such  profusion,  and  in  consideration  of  such  supply, 
they  would  refrain  appropriating  any  nionev,  jewelry,  or  other 
article  of  value,  or  of  apparel ;  re^tricling  their  demand  lo  rations 
of  wine,  hams,  and  other  eatables. 

These  conditions  were  translated  by  Jablonsky,  and  very 
cheerfully  agreed  to  by  Mary  Crowe,  though  with  many  a  half- 
suppressed  snarl  of  dissent  from  Jasper, 

"  What  is  the  maiden's  name  ?"  asked  Knipslatch. 

"  Mary  Crowe,"  answered  Jablonsky, 

On  hearing  lier  name  meniionefi,  Mary  looked  with  an  inquir- 
ing glance,  both  at  the  Count  and  his  friend. 

"  Then  tell  the  fraulein  Crowe,"  said  Knipslatch,  returning 
her  glance,  "how  happy  I,  and  all  of  us,  will  be,  if  she  woi'ld 
favour  us  by  resuming  the  management  of  the  house.  Her  fa- 
ther (though  this  you  need  not  repeal)  is  no  better  than  a  turnip, 
and  besides,  he  qnariels  daily  with  Dian,  and  withholds  the  com- 
monest  supplies." 

M  iry's  eye  sought  the  floor  on  hearing  this  proposal  :  she 
would  consult  her  father,  she  replied,  and  obey  his  will. 

"  And  now  that  we  have  l)rought  old  skin-fliint  to  the  rod,"  ad- 
ded the  Count,  ''  let  ii  not  be  f  ryot  ten  that  I  must  have  l!ie  win- 
dows in  my  bed-chamber  repaired  " 

Mary,  with  the  faintest  smile,  promised  assent  on  her  father's 
behalf. 

"  Who  passes  there  ?"  demanded  Fagel,  on  hearing  footsteps 
in  the  loft. 

Ft  was  Franz,  who  said  he  came  up  on  hearing  ihe  report  of 
fire-arms 

"And  he  comes  in  good  time,"  cried  Jablonsky;  "it  is  too 
la'e, — ;it  least  f  think  we  are  ma  disposed  for  bed.  Franz,  you 
must  untomb  Diana;  let  her  boil  a  couple  of  hatus  ;  take  with 
vou  this  string  of  sausa<fes,  thai  net  of  lemons,  and  return  for  a 
few  bottles  of  claret.  We  will  close  Christmas-night  with  tlie 
rarest  bre  d<fast  since  we  landed  on  these  shores." 

As  Franz  was  on  the  point  of  unhooking  the  suspended  hams, 


JASPER    CROWE.  835 

Jasper  interposed  his  services,  which  speedily  brought  about  a 
wraigiinjj,  as  he  pahried  on  ihe  German  two  of  the  smallest. 
The  "  Frau/ei?!,"  as  Knipslaich  called  her,  ended  the  dispute,  by- 
pushing  aside  her  father,  and  allowing  Franz  a  free  choice. 

''And  ere  we  go,"  said  the  Count,  "  I  must  apologize  to  our 
hostci^s  for  the  damage  done  by  Fagel's  bullet,  though  belter  as 
it  is,  than  if  it  had  winged  its  way  to  her  bosom." 

From  her  account,  which  she  gave  with  limid  reluctance,  to 
Jablonsky,  it  appeared  she  suffered  rather  a  narrow  escape.  As 
s!ie  lay  in  bed  (which  was  close  to  the  wall  of  pan ii ion)  she  hoard 
the  Hessians  disconising  in  the  adjoining  garret,  but  not  under- 
standing the  language,  knew  not  the  danger  sh'^  ran,  till  the  bul- 
let, flying  over  her  liead,  struck  against  a  heap  of  plates  and 
glass  on  the  opposite  side,  the  noise  of  which  brought  up  lier  fa- 
ther, who,  with  singular  obstinacy,  refused  to  answer  the  siun- 
mons,  or  allow  her  to  do  so. 

J.isper's  military  guests  now  retired,  to  talk  over  their  adven- 
tures, whilst  waiting  breakfast,  leaving  father  and  daughter  to 
their  own  company, 

"  All,  all  gone  !"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  with  a  deep  sigh,  sit- 
ting down  on  the  trunk;  "and  you,  Mary,  wojld  give  every- 
thing !  I  wonder  you  did  not  propose  to  the  old  marauder  to 
carry  off  this  trunk." 

"  I  don't  know  what  you  think,  father,"  said  the  inaiden,  with 
asperity,  "  but  after  firing  a  pistol  at  one  of  these  foreign  officers, 
I  think  you  have  escaped  very  easily,  and  I  beheve  I  am  not  far 
from  the  truth  in  saying,  that  you  owe  vour  life,  and  the  safety 
of  that  trunk,  to  that  same  old  marauder." 

"  I'gli  !"  grunted  Jasper,  "  and  in  gratitude  for  their  matchless 
generosity,  in  not  leaving  me  enlirelv  destitute,  I  presume  you 
intend  to  make  breakfast  for  these  plunderers,  and  serve  up  thrir 
dinner.     Perhaps  vour  generosity  may  carry  you  to  the  extent  of 

accompanving  them  to  Philadel['hia or  to  h — 11,  if  the  whiie- 

headed  old  rascal  should  ask  it. — us  a  favour  T 

Mary  burst  into  tears,  and  flinging  herself  on  llie  bed,  wept 
bitterly. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


About  seven  o'clock,  our  military  carousers  left  their  claret  to 
sit  down  to  the  substantial  breakfast  which  Diana  Groots  had 
been  summoned  to  prepare.  The  board  was  lavishly  supplied 
with  hams,  sausages,  tongues,  tea  of  rare  quality — which  ov\  ing 
to  the  contest  with  Great  Britain  was  exceedingly  scaice  and  dear 
— chocolate  and  many  o'her  luxuries.  Eggs  there  were  in  plen- 
ty, but  we  are  sorry  to  record,  mostly  unfit  for  table,  having  be- 
come antiquated  during  sojourn  in  Jasper's  store-room. 


23^ 


JASPER  CROWE. 


A  hearty  breakfast  was  aboul  ihe  best  prescription  the  hon-vi- 
vans  co\.\\&  partake  of,  to  wash  away  the  eflccis  of  their  bacchanal 
vigil.  The  evenics  of  the  night  were  discussed  with  freedom  and 
temper,  and  with  remarkable  courtesy  to  Knipslatch's  peculiar 
fancies — and  with  good  reason — for  the  mystery  of  the  flash  of 
light,  and  the  falling  ladder,  was  a  spell,  wliich  haunted,  and  puz- 
zled, the  mind  of  each. 

Fagel  was  the  most  thoughtful ;  he  was  also  the  first  to  leave 
the  lable,  before  the  otiicrs  had  finiohed  their  prolonged  meal. 
Meeting  Franz  in  the  hall,  which  he  contrived  purposely,  on  his 
return  from  the  kitchen— he  told  him  that  as  breakfast  was  near- 
ly over,  his  services  would  not  be  required  ;  and  he  himself  had 
occasion  for  them.  The  orderly  fulluwed  the  captain  to  his 
quarters. 

"  Franz,"  said  the  oiTicer,  "  you  have  a  close  tongue — a  ready 
hand,  and  a  prompt  wit.  These  aie  good  qualities,  if  you  knovv 
how  to  put  them  to  iiood  use." 

*'  1  have  been  promoted,  Meinherr,  from  the  ranks,"  replied  the 
soldier,  ''  to  serve  the  honorable  mess." 

"  That  is  but  small  promotion  in  itself,  Franz,"  rejoined  the  cap- 
tain, "  if  It  were  not,  that  it  put  von  in  the  way  of  serving  others, 
and  by  so  doing,  serving  yourself." 

'*  How  can  1  serve  Meinherr?" 

"  You  have  seen  the  old  man's  pretty  daughter — that  little  body 
whom  we  unearthed  so  oddly  this  morning?" 

FVanz  replied  in  the  affirmative. 

"  I  have  a  notion  of  taking  herto  spend  a  few  days  at  Princeton, 
or  New  Brunswick,"  said  Fagel,"  it  will  be  a  pleasant  change  af- 
ter being  so  long  immured  amongst  sausages,  and  old  clothes." 

"  Very  pleasant,  both  to  the  lady,  and  Meinherr,"  observed 
Franz. 

"  And  to  yourself — I  suppose,  if  [  pay  you  liandsomely  for  help- 
ing ns  off?"  remarked  the  Hessian. 

The  soldier  observed  that,  certainly,  payment  would  make  con- 
sidei-Hblc  difference  in  his  feelings.  But  would  not  llerr  von 
Knipslatch,and  Ensign  bchulz,  take  it  very  ill  ?  He  might  suffer 
from  their  anger. 

"  That  is  as  much  as  to  say,  Franz,  that  yon  susppct  they  would 
be  jealous  of  me,  and  visit  iheir  reseminent  on  yourself." 

*'  I  hope  ^Icinhcrr  will  protect  me,"  replied  the  soldier. 

"Make  yoursell  easy,  Franz,"  said  the  captain;  "  I  have  the 
best  claim  to  her  society,  if  it  be  only  in  recompense  for  the  dan- 
ger I  ran  frcnn  her  father.  If  it  had  not  been  for  the  daughter's 
arm.  the  old  brute  would  have  slint  me." 

"  That  proves  her  affection  for  Meinherr,"  observed  Franz,  with 
a  broad  vuloar  grin. 

As  the  parlies  now  understood  each  other,  it  was  arranged,  that 
Franz  should  immediately  procure  a  light  country  wagon  ;  and  af- 
ter receiving  further  instructions  (with  permission  to  absent  himelf 


JASPER    CROWE.  237 

from  duty)  and  being  furnished  with  nrioney,  he  departed  on  his 
unscrupulous  errand.  Captain  Fagcl  immediately  went  to  iiead- 
quarters,  and  procured  from  Colonel  Hahl  a  fori  night's  leave  of 
absence.  Relurnmg  to  Jasper  Crowe's,  he  found  his  friend,  still 
lingering  idly  over  the  breakfast-iable. 

"  Why  yuu  look  as  bright  as  a  newkreutzer,  Herr  Fagel,"  cried 
the  count,  eyeing  his  late  antagonist,  "  may  I  ask  your  recipe  for 
good  looks  after  a  nights  debauch  ?" 

"  The  prescription,  1  followed  this  morning,"  replied  Fagel, 
"was  ten  minuies'  walk  through  the  sleet  and  snow." 

"  Billiards  would  be  a  good  substitute,"  cried  Jablonsky,  "  and 
belter  tlian  a  parade  through  ihe  snow — What  sound  was  that?" 

"  The  crack  of  a  rifle,"  said  Schulz. 

"  An  excellent  idea  !"  cried  the  Pule, ''  but  let  us  go  aloft.  'Tis 
a  famous  shooting-gallery.  We'll  club  tea  dollars,  and  the 
steadiest  hand  takes  the  purse." 

"  Add  a  kiss  from  Mary  Crowe,  and  it's  a  compact,"  said 
Schulz. 

The  Ensign  had  scarcely  uttered  the  words,  when  ihey  heard 
the  report  of  a  scattered  tiring.  "  What  can  that  mean  ?"  ex- 
claimed Knipslttch,  appealing  to  his  friends.  I'he  druvn  im- 
mediately beat  to  arms,  and  the  firing  momently  ^rew  louder 
and  nearer,  and  more  frequent.  "To  arms,  gentlemen,"  cried 
Knipslatch,  "the  outposts  are  attacked  ;  whether  I  survive,  or 
fall — remember  that  I  predicted,  from  the  aspect  of  my  secret 
monitor,  that  a  change  was  at  hand." 

There  was  no  time  for  further  parley,  or  discourse.  Arming 
iheiriselves  hastily,  Knipslatch  and  his  friends  issued  forlh  to  join 
their  respective  corps,  amidst  ceaseless  discharges  of  musketry. 

Soon  as  they  were  gone,  Jasper  Crowe  crept  forlh  from  his 
chamber,  and  ventured  into  the  officers'  mess-room.  Sad  to  the 
miser,  was  the  scene  he  contemplated  !  Such  a  goodly  array  of 
provisions — which  under  his  penurious  management  would  have 
lasted  several  weeks — squandered,  in  profusion,  in  one  moniiiig's 
meal. 

"  The  d d  rats  !"  exclaimed  Jasper,  eyeing  the  remains  of 

breakfast. 

"  See,  here,  Mary,"  he  continued,  as  his  daughter  entered  the 
apartment,  "both  hams  cut  at  the  same  time  !  The  cursed  lo- 
custs !  may  their  own  throats  be  cut,  even  as  they  sliced  tlic 
hams.  But  half-a-loaf  is  better  than  none — so  help  me,  Mary, 
to  take  up  stairs  what  remains,  or  it  will  fall  into  the  hands  of  tii'at 
toad  below." 

Mary,  ever  obedient  to  her  father's  command,  save  when  his 
life,  or  property,  was  imminently  endanojered  by  his  obstinacy, 
began  removing  the  half-consumed  viands  as  she  had  been  bid- 
den. 

Meanwhile  Franz  returned  with  the  wagon.  From  the  dis- 
charge of  fire-arms,  and  other  movements,  he  comprehended  the 
real  posture  of  affairs  :  but  as  Fagel  had  granted  leave  of  absence 


238  JASPER    CROWE. 

from  military  duty,  he  did  not  deem  ii  incumbent  to  join  his  regi- 
nieni.  J)rav\iiig  up  ihe  wngon  under  shelter  of  the  slal)le,  he  en- 
tered the  lioui^e,  and  found,  as  he  expected, ihe  officers  liad  quit- 
led.  Peepmg  slyly  into  ilie  mess-room,  lie  beheld  the  work  in 
which  Jasper  was  so  earnestly  absorbed,  but  retreated  without 
showing  himself. 

[lurrying  next  into  tlic  kitchen,  he  was  met  by  Diana  Grools, 
armed  with  a  formidable  bar  of  iron. 

"  VVh}^,  whom  do  you  lake  mo  for,  Diana  ?"  cried  ihe  soldier. 
"  Mow  fares  it  with  the  Anspachers?"  demanded  Diana,  "  do  we 
make  prisoners,  or  strike  tents  V 

'■  Tlie  battle's  scarce  begun," replied  Franz,  "  and  your  trade  is 
a  long  way  otf." 

'■  My  trade  !"  exclaimed  Diana,  in  a  tone  of  mingled  scorn 
and  derision;  "  my  trade,  indeed  !  and  what  have  I  made  of  it  ?" 

''  Why,  not  much,  perhaps,"  replied  the  oiher,  "  yet  1  have  seen 
two  gold-  watches,  and  I  will  nut  say  how  many  brtiad  gold-pieces, 
to  say  nothing  of  silver  dollars." 

"  Why  curt^e  the  poverty-stricken  wretches,"  exclaimed  Diana, 
*'  if  one  meets  witli  a  pair  of  epaulets,  there  is  nothing  in  the 
pockets  but  a  roll  of  paper  money,  not  worih  the  weight  in  to- 
bacco." 

"  You  have  not  yet  learned  y^our  trade,  Diana,"  said  Franz  with 
a  sneer. 

"  What  is  it,  ye  mean,  ye  prowling  thief!"  rejoined  the  sut- 
tler  "  tav.send  teufeln!  ihis  bar  shall  teach  ye  how  to  behave." 

"  Throw  asifie  the  beam,  mv  good  Diana,  and  listen  to  ine," 
said  Franz,  "  and  I'll  point  out  the  wav,  by  which  you  shall  make 
more  money  in  five  minutes,  than  you  would  have  done  in  two 
campaigns." 

Seeing  that  lie  was  in  earnest,  Diana  became  an  attentive  list- 
ener. Franz  related  on  what  mission  he  had  been  employed  by 
capiain  Fagel ;  he  also  gave  a  description  of  the  store-chatuber  in 
which  so  much  wealih  was,  confessedly,  de[)osite{l.  There  were 
but  two  beings  now  in  the  house,  in  custody  of  the  treasure;  a 
feeble  old  man,  and  the  young  girl  just  come  to  liiiht,  his  dautrhter. 

What  prevented  Diana  and  himself,  he  asked,  binding  Jasper 
Crowe,  and  cnrrving  off,  in  the  confusion  occasioned  by  the  en- 
emy's assault,  both  the  treasure,  and  the  young  d.imsel  ? 

'^  Himmelsh/ast  ?  wfiy,  the  girl — is  not  the  gold  enough  ?" 

"  Aye!  for  you  and  me,"  replied  Franz,  "  but  there  is  only  one 
road  we  can  travel — backward,  the  way  we  came  And  if  we 
take  the  girl  to  either  of  the  places,  the  captain  named.  I  shall 
make  my  peace  with  him,  and  stand  clear  of  deserting  I" 

"  Well  !  and  we  go  halves?"  cried  Diana. 

"  On  my  honor,"  exclaimed  Franz,  laying  his  hand  on  his 
breast. 

"  And  the  old  man,  do  you  splinter  him  ?" 

"No,  Diana,  I  have  a  conscience,"  observeil  Franz;  "let  u« 
fasten  him  in  the  cellar." 


JASPER    CROWK.  239 

Providing  themselves  with  a  rope,  and  large  sack,  they  made 
fast  the  door  leadmg  from  the  basement  into  itie  gardt- n,  and  then 
stole  quietly  up  stairs.  The  hall-doors,  both  front  and  back,  were 
next  secured  without  obi^ervation. 

Jasper's  weak  footsteps  were  now  heard  descending  the  stair- 
case, and  to  prevent  being  seen,  the  worthy  pair  retreated  into  ihe 
clot^et  in  which  Franz  usually  slept.  Soon  as  the  old  man  pas- 
sed into  the  mess-room,  they  crept  after  him,  and  ere  he  was 
aware,  the  mouth  of  the  uplifted  sack  was  drawn  over  his  face, 
and  body,  by  Franz.  Diana  Groots,  who  held  the  cord,  wound 
it  several  times  round  ihe  sack,  enveloped  in  which,  the  old  inan 
was  strugfrling,  and  kicking  to  get  free.  But  his  arms  being  now 
fastened  by  the  rope,  and  his  cries  stifled  in  tlie  sack,  he  was 
borne  neck  and  heels,  into  a  cellar  which  opened  from  the  kitch- 
en, and  in  which  was  usually  deposited  the  winter-fuel. 

Having  bound  him  securely  to  a  post,  from  which  there  was 
no  possible  escape,  by  his  own  unaided  efforts,  a  hole  was  cut  in 
the  sack,  large  enough  to  admit  the  passage  of  his  head. 

"  He'll  not  die  for  want  of  air,"  said  Franz,  casting  a  last  look  at 
his  victim  as  he  quitted  the  cellar. 

"  Wretches  !  will  ye  starve  me  to  death  ?  mercy  !  mercy  !  yon 
mean  it  not !  Loose  me,  and  I'll  give  you  gold,  all  I  have  !  Ma- 
ry— help — Mary— help. 

More  he  may  have  uttered,  but  the  door  was  closed  on  the  un- 
fortunate Jasper — the  key  turned  in  the  lock,  and  withdrawn. 
Harsh  was  the  grating  of  that  key  in  old  Jasper's  ear  ! 

Often  h.id  Mary  ridiculed  the  idea  of  his  affixing  a  lock  on  a 
cellar  into  which  there  was  need  of  constant  access,  and  in  which 
nothing  of  more  value,  than  fuel  was  stored.  But  the  slave,  (his 
former  menial,)  he  affirmed  consumed  by  far  too  rancfi  wood,  so 
he  bought  a  lock.  Did  he  feel  how  bitterly  his  niggardly  penu- 
riousness  recoiled  on  himself?  That  lock  in  whose  safe  binding 
maa;ic,  he  so  much  exulted— -which  he  had  procured  at— as  he 
said — a  heavy  cost,  after  the  plan  had  so  oft  failed  of  counting  the 
number  of  sticks,  and  blocks!  His  own  weapon  turned  on  him- 
self! 

"  Now  we  must  silence  the  ]']H\efraulpw,  while  we  peep  into 
the  closet  where  all  the  gold  and  silver  pieces  be  stored — and  so, 
frau  (iroots,  take  off  your  shoes,  and  tread  lightly.  Those  little 
vixens  have  shurp  ears,  and  shrill  chippers." 

And  so  saying,  the  adroit  inarauder  led  his  companion  in  quest 
of  their  victim. 


240  JASPER    CROWE. 


CHAPTER  X. 

When  Franz  and  the  siitller  crept  inlo  llic  loft,  ihey  found  the 
broken  wall  blockaded  with  fiirniuire,  artd  other  cumbrous 
articles,  impeding  further  progress.  It  was  a  main  pouit  with 
the  rascal  to  surprise  the  girl  and  stifle  her  cries,  ere  she  liad 
lime,  or  chance,  to  raise  alarm.  As  he  heard,  through  the  con- 
versation at  the  breakfast  table,  that  the  secret  stairs  to  Jasper's 
stronghold  led  into  a  closet  in  his  bed-chaiubcr,  he  proposed  to 
frau  Groots,  that  she  should  remain  sentine!  in  the  loft,  to  pre- 
vent escape  in  that  direction,  whil?;!  he  relurncd  to  the  floor  below, 
and  approached  through  the  miser's  ap;irlment. 

But  lids  prudent  arrangement  met  with  unexpected  opposition 
from  the  sage  Dian. 

'' Nem  !  «em/"was  her  whispered  protest.  More  by  signs 
than  by  words,  she  gave  the  fellow  to  understand,  thnt  she  would 
not  trust  him  alone  in  the  treasure-chamber — they  were  to  share 
equally,  and  division  should  be  made  when  boih  were  present. 

Cursing  her,  in  his  heart,  for  a  selfish  old  hag,  and  for  every- 
thing else  that  was  bad  and  opprobrious,  he  found  opposition  to 
her  wishes  both  useless  and  dangerous,  as  lime  was  already 
lost  in  discussion.  Retracing  ihcir  steps,  they  entered  Jasper's 
bed-chamber,  passed  into  the  closet,  and  from  thence  upward. 
The  temporary  and  hastily  arranged  stairs,  cieaked  as  llicy  as- 
cended. 

"Father,"  cried  the  maiden,  "  this  is  all  labour  in  vain.  Wc 
shall  have  to  carry  everything  down  again,  when  they  have  re- 
turned from  fighting." 

Hearing  no  reply,  nor  yet  seeing  her  parent,  for  Franz  paused 
in  doubt  how  to  act,  she  ran  to  the  stair-head,  and  beholding  the 
unwelcome  visitor,  shrieked  loudly,  and  ran  to  possess  herself  of 
a  gun  which  Jasper  kept  loaded.  But  the  wary  ruffian,  second- 
ed by  the  female  fiend,  were  too  nimble  for  the  courageous  at- 
tempt ;  the  weapon  was  wrested  from  her  grasp. 

Spite  of  her  cries,  her  hands  were  tied,  and  by  signs  which 
there  was  no  mistaking,  she  was  threatened  with  instant  death  if 
she  resisted  being  blindfolded.  Frighted  with  the  horrid  menaces 
of  the  female  fury  wiio  stood  over  her,  and  knowing  but  loo  well 
from  the  stories  which  she  had  heard  related  of  the  brutality  of 
the  camp-women,  when  excited  by  hope  of  plunder,  that  the 
threats  would  be  put  in  execution,  she  submitted  to  her  fate. 

Thus  far  were  the  marauders  successful.  Their  next  exploit 
— an  easy  one — was  to  commence  ransacking  the  long-hoarded 
stores  of  the  miser.  In  its  pr<^gress,  however,  it  proved  more  dif- 
ficult than  they  contemplated  ;  there  was  such  an  cmharras  de 
richcssc,  that  ihev  knew  not  either  how  to  act,  or  what  to  take — 
or  what  they  conld  make  up  their  mind  to  leave  behind. 

On  forcing  open  the  trunk,  for  whose   safety  Jasper  displayed 


JASPER    CROWE,  241 

such  desperate  courage,  it  was  found  to  contain  an  immense 
bulk,  in  bags,  of  dollars  in  specie.  Oilier  bags,  of  lesser  size, 
were  filled  with  gold  coin — a  treasure  which  llie  miscaiculaling 
old  man  had  been  afraid  to  put  away  from  his  sight,*  and  bury  in 
the  earth,  as  most  of  his  neighbours  had  done  wiih  their  valu- 
ables ;  for  whicli  short-sighted  policy  he  was  now  doomed  to  suf- 
fer most  bitterly. 

To  carry  ojfif  ihe  trunk,  enlire,  was  the  discreet  wish  of  both 
robbers  ;  but  it  proved  loo  heavy,  and  ihey  were,  besides,  in  mo- 
mentary fear  of  discovery.  As  often  as  Frauz  withdrew  his  mind 
from  the  absoibing  contemplation  of  tlie  riches  by  which  he  was 
surrounded,  he  heard  the  commingling  sounds  of  battle,  and  knew 
from  experience,  that  llie  contest  was  growing  severe,  and  the 
issue  doubtful ;  and  in  whosever's  favour  it  was  decided,  he  must 
away  with  his  plunder,  before  victory  gave  leisure  to  the  conquer- 
ors. 

"  What  hast  there,  fool  ?"  cried  he,  on  beholding  Diana  ap- 
propriating a  very  rich  dress,  probably  the  wedding  apparel  of 
Jasper's  mother,  or  deceased  wife,  and  whose  briglit  colours  and 
woven  gold,  attracted  the  woman's  fancy,  not  deadened  to  what 
gratified  her  sex. 

"  Throw  it  down,"  he  exclaimed,  snatching  it  from  her  hand, 
and  flinging  it  aside  ;  "  and  those  silver  pieces,  leave  them  for 
our  superiors.  Here  is  gold,  which  will  buy  every  thing,  fill  thy 
pockets  with  it." 

Not  without  much  ailo-,  Dian  was  persuaded  to  relinquish  the 
more  gaudy,  for  tlie  more  substantial,  and  portable,  wealth.  Hav- 
ing laden  himself,  and  companion,  with  as  much  as  they  could  both 
carry  on  their  persons,  of  the  precious  metal — as  to  encumber 
themselves  with  boxes  or  trunks,  was  inconsistent  with  the  line  of 
proceeding  which  he  meant  to  adopt  when  he  arrived  at  the  Bri- 
tish head-quarters  at  Princeton  or  New  Brunswick,  he  left  the 
trembling  captive  in  charge  of  his  accomplice,  and  hastened  be- 
low. 

Time  was  precious.  As  he  gazed  from  a  window  in  Jasper's 
bed-chamber,  he  beheld  many  of  his  straggling  countrymen  re- 
treating toward  the  bridge  over  the  Assanpink  Creek.  The  day- 
was  then  inifavourable  to  his  masters  I  Should  he,  or  should  he 
not,  persevere  in  his  design  of  carrying  off  the  old  man's  daugh- 
ter? If  he  did  not,  his  conduct  would  be  viewed  in  no  other 
light  than  desertion,  and  as  lie  must  follow  the  same  road  by  which 
his  countrymen  retreated — vvi;hin  the  British  lines — to  escape 
from  the  service  (ignorant  of  the  language  of  the  country,  and 
branded  as  a  robber),  was  impracticable.  But  by  carrying  off 
Mary  Crowe,  he  was  fulfiUing  the  orders  of  his  superior  officer, 
on  whom  alone  the  blame  must  fHll,  and  who,  for  sake  of  his  own 
character,  must  screen  him  from  the  consequences  of  being  ab- 
sent from  his  regiment,  and  for  his  mal-practices  (if  ihey  should 
be  complained  of)  in  Jasper's  house.  The  flight  of  Diana  Groots 
19 


242  JASPER    CROWE. 

he  could  justify  on  the  argun-jent,  that  he  had  been  forced  to  seek 
her  aid  in  accomphshing  the  captain^s  designs  upon  the  maiden. 
He  was  the  more  incHued  to  the  latter  ahcriialive,  as  tliere  ap- 
peared every  probability,  from  ihe  expected  issue  of  the  engage- 
meni,  that  the  Hessian  brigade  would  he  forced  to  retreat  on 
Princeton,  and  his  officers  would  arrive  there  nearly  as  soon  as 
himself. 

The  wagon  was  accq^^Boly  brought  from  the  stable,  and 
Mary  (her  cries  partially  s^pniered  by  a  ch)ak  wound  around  her 
head)  forced  into  it.  She  was  laid  on  the  bottom  of  the  vehicle, 
Dian  following  to  prevent  her  rising,  or  attempting  to  escape. 
Locking  the  outer  door,  Franz  put  tlie  key  in  his  pocket,  and  ap- 
plying the  whip  to  his  steed,  he  drove  rapidly  down  the  street, 
and  over  the  Creek-bridge,  refusing  to  listen  to  the  call  of  several 
fugitives  on  foot,  escaping  in  the  same  direction. 

Not  ten  minutes  elapsed  after  his  flight,  when  Girard  came  to 
the  house.  Often,  during  the  engagement,  had  he  thought  of 
Mary  in  her  lone  prison-chamber,  frightened  at  the  horrid  din, 
which  from  every  side,  greeted  her  ears. 

He  knocked — there  was  no  answer.  Every  door  was  locked — 
every  shutter  fastened.  It  was  natural,  (he  thovight,)  whilst  the 
fate  of  the  day  was  uncertain  ;  but  how  convince  old  Jasper  that 
he  might  unbar  his  doors  with  safety?  He  called  to  him  by 
name  ;  declared  aloud  that  the  town  was  in  po.ssession  of  the 
American  forces  ;  still  no  response. 

"  Den  I  go  in  after  de  old  fashion,  and  make  Mr.  Crowe  give 
me  vun  good  breakfast  for  de  news  I  bring.  O  !  I  will  have  de 
rare  fun  wid  de  old  man,  and  wid  Mary,  if  I  can  see  her.'^ 

And  so,  without  more  ado.  Girard  clambered  to  the  roof,  and 
lifting  up  the  trap,  lowered  his  firelock  by  the  belt,  and  dropped 
after  it  himself. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


The  floor  shook  with  the  heavy  weight  of  Girard,  yet  the  noise 
brought  no  one  forth.  Great  was  his  surprise  on  beholding  the 
shattered  wall,  and  the  repaired  breach.  The  retreat  of  Mary 
was  no  doubt  discovered  ;  perhaps  the  very  means  which  he 
adopted  to  frighten  the  old  German,  and  encompass  his  own  es- 
cape, had  proved  the  cause  !  With  this  reflection  rankling  in  his 
mind,  he  hastened  to  Jasper's  chamher,  with  in'ention  of  penetrat- 
ing to  the  secret  store,  and  of  fathominjr  the  mystery  of  the  strange, 
and  unaccountable  silence.  On  the  floor  of  the  bed-chamber,  he 
observed  several  pieces  of  money,  which  increased  his  suspicion 
of  fuul  play.  Rushing  up  stairs,  he  bclield  sad  evidence  of  rob- 
bery ;  if  no  deeper  crime  had  been  perpetrated.  Money,  apparel, 
letters,  and  parchments,  were  scattered  about  in  s^ad  confusion. 


JASPER    CROWE.  ^  243 

Lifting  from  a  heap,  a  licb,  antique  dress,  trembling  at  ibe  tliought 
thai  beneath,  lie  might  behold  the  lifeless  form  of  the  liiile  piquant 
Mary,  his  eyes  rested  on — a  cooked  and  half-consnmed  hain. 

FJad  Jasper,  with  his  dau^jhier,  (let!  ?  no!  no!  ihe  idea  was  in- 
capable of  reconcilement  with  the  old  man's  character.  He  would 
never  abandon  his  wealth  !  Flad  llie  Hessian  committed  murder  ? 
Were  such  the  case,  they  would  hardly  have  left,  undivided,  the 
spoil. 

After  inspecting  the  priming  of  his  firelock,  he  descended  again 
to  Jasper's  bed-chamber :  seaiched  each  apartment  on  that  floor, 
then  passed  to  the  rooms  below,  the  mess-room,  and  the  sleeping- 
quarters  of  the  Hessian  officers.  With  lightest  tread,  lest  he 
should  unawares  encounter  more  than  he  could  manage,  with  his 
single  arm,  he  crept  softly  down  the  basement  stairs,  but  the 
kitchen,  and  adjoining  passages  were  as  solitary  as  above. 

Returning  to  the  hall,  on  the  principal  floor,  he  espied  on  the 
staircase,  which  led  up  stairs,  a  shoe.  By  the  size,  and  shape, 
it  was  Mary's.  Strong  proof,  this,  he  thought,  that  she  had  been 
carried  away  by  comfjulsion.  In  refleclmg  on  the  horrors  to 
which  she  might  be  exposed,  it  was  but  poor  consolation,  that  the 
idea  of  her  murder  was  lessened  by  the  discovery  of  the  shoe. 
It  were  well,  and  advisable,  he  conceived,  to  prevent  farther  de- 
predation, that  he  should  lock  up  Jasper's  chamber,  till  the  key 
could  be  restored  to  the  rightful  owner,  or  placed  in  legal  custody. 

He  had  scarcely  locked  the  door,  when  a  noise  at  the  garden- 
gate,  caused  him  to  descend.  It  was  follovv-ed  by  a  loud  knock- 
ing at  the  hall-door.  On  opening  it,  he  beheld  on  the  piazza,  the 
same  officer  whom  he  had  seen  standing  (whilst  concealed  in  the 
barrel,)  within  the  red-chalk  circle.  But  how  diff'erent  now  his 
condition  !  He  was  borne,  v/ith  aid  of  several  American  soldiers, 
by  his  companions,  Jablonsky and. Schulz, and  was  carried  straight 
to  his  former  quarters. 

Without  inquiring  who  or  what  he  was,  the  services  of  Girard. 
were  readily  accepted  by  Jablonsky.  After  the  Count's  wounds 
were  dressed,  and  the  surgeon  had  departed  to  attend  another 
oflicer,  the  Pole,  pleased  wiih  the  alacrity  of  the  Frenchman,  put 
several  questions  respecting  ihe  service  to  which  he  belonged, 
and  tlie  character  of  General  Washington. 

Girard,  who  had  been  ruminating  how  to  act — whom  to  apply 
to, under  the  strange  mystery  whicl)  overhang  the  fate  of  Jasper's 
household,  Vv'as  delighted  to  "find  liimself  addressed  in  the  English 
language.  There  was  an  open  military  frankness  in  Jablonsky's 
countenance  which  won  confidence,  and  our  spy  made  confes- 
sion how  he  had  discovered  the  house  locked  up,  and  that  on 
gaining  access,  found  it  untenanted.  He  suppressed,  however, 
the  particular  mode  of  entry,  lest  he  should  incur  the  resentment 
of  the  officers  whose  strange  vigils  he  had  so  unceremoniously 
disturbed  in  his  previous  escape  from  the  loft. 

Jablonsky  was  astounded.  Gone  !  all  gone  ! — Herr  Crowe — 
19* 


244  JASPER    CROWE. 

his  danglitcr — Franz  (ihough  he  was  possibly  shot  or  made  cap- 
tive)— Diana  Groots — surely  shewns  beh)\v"? 

"  Not  vim  soul  in  de  house!"  exclaimed  Girard,  emphalically^ 
"and  de  shoe  I  find  prove  vera  much  wrong  done.'^ 

"  The  sutller,"  remarked  the  Pole,  ihoughlfully,  "  would  not 
slick  at  murder,  if  there  were  store  of  gold  to  tempt  her  eyes,  but 
she  alone  could  not  carry  off  lier  victims." 

In  coniinuation,  Jablonsky  said  he  was  also  templed  to  believe 
there  had  been  foul  play,  for,  from  what  he  had  seen  of  his  host,  not 
all  tiie  peril  of  the  late  fray,  would  have  made  him  abandon  wealth, 
on  vvhici)  his  affections  were  so  deeply  fixed. 

The  Polc'.s  attention  was  suddenly  recalled  to  Knipslatch,  who 
reminded  his  friends,  that  even  as  lie  predicted,  so  it  had  fallen 
out,  that  a  change  of  fortune  was  at  hand.  Had  he  possessed  the 
courage  to  face  his  awful  visitor,  he  would,  doubtless  (like  his 
ancestors),  have  been  forewarned  of,  and  taught  how  to  evade, 
the  peril. 

"  Poor  Fagel  is  dead,"  continued  the  Count ;  "  he  did  not  sur- 
vive his  fall,  many  s-econds  ;  he  fixed  iiis  eyes  on  mine,  and  I  fan- 
cied he  wislied  to  communicate  some  request,  but  the  power  was 
denied.  The  surgeon  promises  me  better  fortune,  but  there  is 
one  in  whom  I  have  greater  confidence,  did  T  dare  see  him." 

His  fiiends  listened  in  silence  ;  recent  events  made  the  sub- 
ject too  interesting  to  be  treated  with  levity  ;  and  yet  Jablonsky, 
after  a  pause,  could  not  help  observing,  that  he  wished  some  fa- 
miliar would  communicate  to  him  whether  he  should  be  speedily 
exchanged,  or  whether  it  were  his  destiny  to  undergo  a  long  cap- 
tivity. 

Even  as  he  spoke,  there  issued,  as  from  beneath,  a  noise  re- 
sembling cry,  or  groan. 

"  Heilige  gcisf  /"  exclaimed  Schnlz,  changing  colour,  "  I  shall 
be  glad  when  the  American  Commissary  orders  our  removal. 
This  old  house  is  haunted  from  cellar  to  garret." 

The  groans  or  cries  were  repeated. 

"  What  think  you  of  this,  Mr.  Girard  ?"  asked  Jablonsky,  look- 
ing significantly  at  the  Frenchman. 

"I  do  link  i  will  make  vun  grand  search  below,"  replied  Gi- 
rard, pointing  downward  with  his  finger. 

"  1  quite  agree  with  the  American  officer,"  observed  Schulz, 
who  saw  Girard's  motion  with  the  finger,  though  he  did  not  un- 
derstand the  words  ;  "  the  evil  one  is  at  work  sure  enough,  but 
I  hope  he'll  not  appear." 

"  Our    new    acrjuaintance,"  said  Jablonsky,  laughing,  "  is  a 
Frenchman,  though  in  the  service  of  the  States.  Will  you  accom- 
pany him,  and  myself,  to  the  realms  beneath  ?" 
-  Hcrr  A^on  Knipslatch  may  not  prefer  being  left  alone,"  replied 
the  Ensign. 

"  Go,  Schulz,"  replied  the  Count,  "the  weaker  I  grow  in  body 
the  more  courage  I  feel  to  possess." 


JASPER    CROWE.  245 

The  Ensign,  lliough  very  loth  lo  accept  ihe  challenge,  scorned 
further  subLerfuge,  and,  pulling  on  a  cheerful  cuunienance,  ex- 
pressed his  willingness  to  join  in  the  adventure. 

The  strange  noise  ceased  for  the  interval,  perhaps,  of  one  mi- 
nule  ;  but  as  ihej  crossed  tlie  stone  flour  of  the  kitchen,  it  was  re- 
newed- 

"  I  do  know  dat  cry,"  said  Girar.d,  stopping  sudtienly. 

"  What  does  he  say,  Jablonsky  ?"  asked  Schulz,  looking  from 
one  lo  the  other. 

"He  says,"  replied  the  Pole,  with  solemn  gravity^  "  ihat  he 
knows  the  being  who  made  ihat  noise." 

"  Der  teufel!  he  does!"  exclaimed  Schnlz.,  widening  the  dis- 
tance between  himself  and  the  Frenchman,  "  ihen  I  do  not  wish 
ihe  acquaintance  of3''Our  new  fiiend" 

"  Whom  do  you  suppose  the  cry  lo  proceed  from  ?"  asked  ihe 
Pole,  turning  lo  Girard. 

"  Oh  !  it  IS  old  Crowe,  I  be  sure." 

"Old  Crowe  !"  ejaculated  Jablonsky,  "  nut  .the  hlack  crowe — 
the  devil,  as  my  friend  believes." 

"  Old  Crowe  be  vun  deyvi],sure  enough,"  replied  Giraid,  "but 
den  he  be  fader  to  de  litile  cherub.,  Marie  Crowe." 

Meanwhile,  old  Crowe,  or  the  devil,  aware  that  he  was  in  the 
vicinity  of  good  company,  beg:in  vociferaling  most  lustily.  Schulz, 
who  had  not  the  advanlagc,  like  Jablonsky,  of  confidential  inter- 
course with  Girard — ignorant  of  the  revelations  made  by  the 
Frenchman — participated  'u\  all  the  superstitious  belief  of  Knip- 
slalch,  without  possessing  a  particle  of  ihe  laltcr's  subdued  cou- 
rage and  resignation.  Ashamed  lo  display  fear,  yet  too  much 
terrified  wholly  to  conceal  it,  he  watched  tlie  proceedings  of  the 
others,  without  aiding  them. 

Several  holes  and  corners  were  searched  before  they  came  lo 
the  right  spot,  but  as  soon  as  they  began  handling  the  cellar  door,, 
all  doubt  ceased.  The  prisoner,  thuu.gh  nearly  exhausted  with 
previous  efforts,  redoubled  his  cries.  The  door  was  forced  open, 
and  ihe  old  nian  discovered. 

At  another  season.,  the  ludicrous  aspect  of  Jasper — his  head 
iseeming  to  resl  on  the  sack  which  enveloped  his  body — would 
have  excited  daughter ;  but  the  mental  torture  he  had  undergune, 
claimed  the  sympathy  of  his  rescuers. 

"  It  be  very  cold  here,  Mr.  f^rovve,'"  cried  Girard,  pulling  out 
his  case-knife  to  cut  the  rope  which  bound  him. 

"  Untie  it,"  cried  the  miser,  faintly.     It  was  his  oivn  rope  ! 

Ere  released,  he  fell  into  a  swooii,  and  was  borne  by  Girard 
and  the  others,  to  his  chamber.  'Leaving  him  to  lli,e  caie  of  the 
Frenchman,  the  officers  retired  to  acquaint  Knipslalch  with  the  rc- 
.'sult  of  their  search,  and  ihe  disappearance  of  Diana  Groois. 

"  Where  is  Mary  ?"  cried  the  uld  man,  opening  his  eyes. 

The  Frenchman,  in  the  feeble  condition  of  Jasper,  was  afraid 
io  communicaie  the  truth  ;  lie  lold  liim  tint  she  had  been  forced 
m  leave  the  hause^  but  was  in  a  jplaoe  of  «afeij. 


246  JASPER    CTIOWE. 

"Where?  wliere  is  ihe "  but   the  miser  slopped  shorty 

and  looked  wisi fully  at  the  closet  door. 

(iiiard  took  the  old  man's  hand.  Though  but  sligh/ly  known 
to  each  other,  he  trusied  ihat  Mr.  Crowe  had  confidence  m  his 
good  inteniions.  He  was  in  the  service  of  General  Washington, 
who  was  now  master  of'l'rcnion,  luivmg  totally  routed  the  Hes- 
sians; the  officers  in  his  house  were  prisoners,  and  would  shortly 
be  removed  to  a  place  of  safety  beyond  the  Delaware.  Yet  be- 
fore they  departed,  an  invedtigaiion  ought  to  take  place. 

"  What?  what  ?''  exelainjed  Jasper,  shuffling  ofi'lhe  bed,  "have 
I  been  robbed?  Stand  aside — let  me  go — I  can  walk — I'll  have 
justice — ril  pursue  them  to  the  end  of  the  world  !'*" 

But  his  strength  faded  him,,  and  he  fell  into  the  arms  of  Girard^ 

On  (iirard  demanding  by  whom  he  was  bound  and  cast  into 
the  cellar,  he  replied  by  staling  what  had  occured.  The  French- 
man said  that  both  Franz  and  the  woman  had  disappeared,  and 
he  was  afraid — indeed  he  was  convuiced — they  had  been  up  stairs- 
riflmg  his  property. 

"Carry  me  up,  Mr.  Girard,"  said  the  miser,  breathless  and 
fainting,  "carry  me  up;  I  will  see  my  loss,  if  I  die." 

(liraid  bore  him  up  stairs,  and  seated  him  on  the  bed. 

"  Ruined  !'  ruined  !"  ciied  old  Jasper,  gazing  around,  wliilst 
the  tears  fell  fast  down  his  (cheeks,  "and  Mary  deserted  me  !" 

"  No  !  no  !"  exclaimed  Girard,  "  say  not  dat  thought;"  and  he 
related  the  circumstance  of  his  eomins;  to  tlie  house  to  bring  the 
glad  tidings  of  deliverance  from  the  Hessians — how  lie  was  un- 
able to  make  any  one  hear — that  he  forced  an  entry,  and  found 
the  premises  untenanted,  and  ahhough  he  looked  into  the  kitch- 
en, he  did  not  hear  Mr.  Crovve''s  outcry,  (which  might  arise  from 
his  creeping  down  softly,  unheard  by  the  poor  old  irian,)  that  he 
found  one  of  Mary''s  shoes  (which  he  now  produced)  on  the 
stairs,  above  the  hall,  from  whence  he  surmised  that  she  had 
been  carried  off  against  her  will;  and  in  conclusion,  from  adding 
his  own  experience  to  Mr.  Crowe's  narrative,  had  no  doubt  that 
Franz  and  the  camp-woman,  in  the  tumult  which  raged  in  the 
town,  had  borne  her  away,  that  she  might  not  raise  an  alarm,  and 
frustrate  carrying  off  ihe  spoil. 

Here  was  frcc^h  misfortune  for  Jasper  Crowe  !  Flis  spirits  ap- 
peared quite  broken  with  the  loss  of  his  daughter  and  his  gold, 
added  to  the  cnfceblement  sustained  by  his  frame,  during  the 
lone  terrors  of  his  prison-house,  and  the  probability  of  being 
starved  to  death. 

Tiie  coin  and  treasure  lay  ^scattered  about;  but  he  had  no 
heart  to  investigate  the  extent  of  the  los&,  but  aai  on  the  edge  of 
the  bed,  his  mind  stupified,  his  eyes  dimmed  with  tears. 

Girard  endeavoured  to  console  him  with  oft-repeated  assurance, 
that  as  soon  as  Jasper  was  in  condition  to  take  charge  of  the 
scaitered  property,  and  resume  the  manacement  of  liis  house,  he 
would  make  every  possible  search   after  his  daugjilcr.     Her  re- 


lASPER    CROWE.  247 

covery,  he  added — though  he  did  not  himself  feel  assured  of  the 
fact — was,  beyond  doubt,  certain ;  for  the  German  could  not 
cross  the  river,  and  he  would  be  forced,  not  knowing  the  lan- 
guage of  the  country,  to  lake  refuge  in  the  British  lines,  where 
he  would  at  least  be  obliged  to  set  at  liberty  his  prisoner,  even  if 
the  gold  were  irrecoverable. 

After  this  strain,  tlie  Frenchman  succeeded  in  soothing  in  some 
degree  the  wo-begone  miser ;  and  having  suggested  the  neces- 
sity of  putting  his  money  and  valuables  in  order,  and  seen  him 
commence  t[)e  melancholy  task,  he  hastened  below  with  inten- 
tion of  conferring  with  Capiaiii  Jablonsky  on  the  probable  route 
of  the  fugitives,  and  the  steps  proper  to  be  taken  to  arrest  ihem. 

Jablonsky  communicated  to  his  friends  the  treatment  which 
Jasper  had  received  from  Franz  and  Diana,  which  fully  confirmed 
suspicion  of  their  villany,  and  forced  conviction  that  they  had  also 
carried  off  Mary  Crowe.  Whilst  Girard  departed  in  quest  of  in- 
formation which  might  throw  liglit  on  the  nefarious  proceedings, 
Knipslatcli  dictated  a  letter  lo  General  de  Heisler,  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  Hessian  forces,  deiaihng  particulars  of  tlie  robbery 
and  abduction,  and  requesting  his  good  offices,  and  co-operation 
with  the  British  authorities,  in  restoring  the  daughter  to  her  fa- 
ther's artns,  and  if  possible,  recovering  the  gold  and  valuables 
which  the  accomplices  had  stolen. 

The  intelligence  picked  up  was  but  scanty.  From  a  boy  re- 
siding in  the  street  in  which  Jasper's  house  was  situate,  Girard 
was  informed,  that  the  lad,  whilst  peeping  through  the  grating  of 
the  cellar,  where  the  family  had  taken  refuge  against  tlie  flyi'ig 
balls  and  bullets,  he  saw  a  light  wagon  drive  rapidly  by,  in  which 
were  a  Hessian  and  a  female.  From  a  woman  living  close  to 
the  Creek-bridge,  and  who,  from  an  upper  window,  beheld  the 
escape  of  the  more  fortunate  Hessians,  he  gathered,  that  she  saw 
the  wagon  driven  over  the  bridge,  and  there  appeared  a  third 
individual  lying  at  bottom,  whom  she  imagined  was  wounded. 
Her  mem.ory  was  clear,  inasmuch  as  she  was  struck  with  the 
selfishness  and  brutality  of  the  driver.  A  pour  disabled  fellow, 
in  the  same  uniform,  made  appeal  to  be  taken  into  the  vehicle, 
but  was  met  with  a  heavy  stroke  of  the  whip,  as  he  attempted  to 
3av  hold  of  the  reins. 

This  evidence  was  at  least  sufficient  to  confirm  belief  in  the 
abduction  of  the  young  maiden.  On  his  return,  Girard  found  the 
old  man  v/ilh  Knipslatcli  and  his  friends.  He  had  received  the 
letter  to  De  Heisler,  as  well  as  one  from  Jablonsky,  to  a  British 
officer  of  rank,  in  New  Brunswick,  on  the  same  subject. 

They  were  interrupted  by  a  visit  from  the  Atnerican  Commis- 
sary-General of  prisoners,  who  was  accompanied  by  his  Excel- 
lency's staff  physician.  The  laitercame  with  a  poHte  message 
from  Washington  to  Count  Knipslatcli,  and  an  offer  of  the  doc- 
tor's services;  the  former  to  announce  intention  of  removing  all 
prisoners,  who  conld  bear  transportation,  across  the  Delaware, 


248  JASPER    CROWBT. 

without  delny.  If  Ilerr  Von  Knipslatch  were  unfit  for  removaT, 
he  \v;is  inslrticted  to  take  his  parole,  ihat  he  would,  as  soon  as 
convalescent,  surrender  himself  to  the  nearest  American  outpost. 
The  condition  of  the  Count's  wounds — severe  if  not  dangerous, 
made  ihe  offer  very  acceplable,  and  parole  was  given  accordingly. 

The  parting  between  Knipslatch  and  his  friends  was  afiection- 
ate  and  sincere,  as  between  men  who  had  shared  the  perils  of 
war,  and  the  society  and  pleasures  of  the  mess.  The  same  day, 
the  twenty-sixth  of  December,  witnessed  the  return  of  Washing- 
ton to  the  Pennsylvania  territory,  vifh  liis  prisoners,  and  ihe  rich 
spoils  of  war.  Colonel  Baylor,  chief  of  ihe  staff,  was  despatched 
to  Congress,  carrying  with  him  the  standard  of  the  regiment  of 
Anspach,  and  his  Excellency's  narrative  of  the  action. 

The  retrograde  movement  of  the  American  commander  was 
dictated  by  sound  policy.  At  New  Brunswick,  Ambov,  and 
other  cantonraenis,  were  six  thousand  British  and  Hessian  troops, 
whilst  Washington's  forces  were  bur  iwentv-fonr  hundred,  pre- 
vious to  the  engagement.  To  repass  the  Delaware,  in  view  of  a 
supprior  arriiy,  was  impossible  ;  to  secure  the  prisoners  and  cap- 
tured artillery  and  ammunition  was,  therefore,  a  primary  object,, 
and  this  movement  was  effected  without  loss  or  accident. 


CHAPTER  XIJ. 


Very  mucti  to  his  satisfaction,  Girard  was  ordered  to  remain 
in  New  Jersey  to  procure  inte41igence  of  the  enemy's  motions. 
He  was  prepared  to  run  the  risk  of  goina,  in  disguise,  to  Prince- 
ton, in  hope  of  tracing  the  flight  of  the  Flessian  and  his  victim; 
but  Jasper  Crowe,  who  testified  mttch  gratitude  for  the  French- 
man's services,  absoluiely  forbade  him  risking  llie  inevntable  fate 
of  a  spy,  by  passing,  for  such  a  purpose,  so  near  the  British 
head-quarters  ;  and  our  adventurer,  having  special  regard  to  con- 
ciliating tlie  old  m^-rn,  was  prompted  to  obey.  At  Jasper's  sug- 
gestion, the  more  open  and  direct  course  was  adopted,  in  respect 
to  the  documents  fiu-nished  by  Jablonsky  and  Knipslatch.  Ad- 
vantage was  taken  of  a  ffag  gomg  witliin  the  British  Tines,  to 
forward  the  letters  to  their  destination,  accimipanied  by  another 
from  Jasper,  with  a  more  mrnute  account  of  the  alidnction  and 
robbery,  and  descriptit)n  of  the  figure  and  age  of  the  accomplices. 
He  was  advised  to  add  the  offer  of  a  reward  for  the  recovery  of 
his  d.uigluer,  or  apprelrension  of  Franz  and  Diana,  but  this  pro- 
position was  rejected  by  the  thrifty  Jasf)er,  who  alleged,  very 
speciously,  that  as  it  was  known  the  Hessian  had  carried  off  a 
eot\siderable  sum,  in  gold,  there  needed  no  stronger  indncetrjcnti 
to  cause  the  scoundrel  to  be  arrestetl  wherever  he  showed  his^ 
face. 


JASPER    CROWE.  249 

"  I  have  said  that  iheir  pockets  were  crammed  wilh  guineas 
and  doubloons,"  observed  Jasper,  "  and  depend  upon  it,  Mr.  Gi- 
rard,  for  sake  of  tiie  gold,  the  British  will  keep  a  sharp  look-out. 
I  have  put  my  mark  upon  the  thieves  as  effectually  as  if  I  had 
branded  their  foreheads  with  hot  iron.  Mary  may  be  restored, 
but  the  money,"  added  the  old  man,  wilh  a  deep  sigh,  and  an 
awful  shake  of  the  head,  "  will  be  sequestered  as  belonging  to 
an  enemy.  And  where's  the  use,  I  would  ask,  of  throwing  more 
after  it,  by  offering  reward  ?" 

The  renewal  of  hostilities  by  the  patriot  army,  was  destined 
to  continue.  The  peculiar  distresses  to  which  Washington's  troops 
were  reduced  by  the  severities  of  rain,  cold,  snow  and  storm, 
the  charge  of  the  prisoners  and  artillery  they  had  captured,  in 
addition  to  the  difficulty  of  crossing  the  river,  under  any  circum- 
stances, and  of  its  impracticability  if  harrassed  by  the  enemy, 
forced  him,  as  we  noticed  in  the  last  chapter,  to  return  whilst  re- 
turn was  in  his  power,  without  pursuing  the  advantages  his  army 
had  gained. 

Bill  after  repassing  into  Pennsylvania,  he  discovered  that  nu- 
merous corps  of  militia — the  entire  detachments  under  Generals 
Ewing  and  Cadwallader,  and  several  regiments  from  Philadel- 
phia— had  crossed  over  to  new  Jeise)%  at  various  fords.  Cheered 
and  flattered  by  the  reviving  courage  of  the  militia  of  both  pro- 
vinces, he  prevailed  on  the  regular  continental  forces,  whose  time 
expired  on  the  first  of  January,  to  stay  with  him  a  few  weeks 
longer,  for  which  condescension  he  agreed  to  pay  a  large  bounty. 

After  two  days'  rest,  the  army  again  passed  into  New  Jersey, 
and  effected  a  junction  with  the  militia  assembled  there.  But 
the  British  commander-in-chief  was  now  roused  to  the  necessity 
of  making  a  vigorous  effort  to  prevent  his  forces  being  driven 
shamefully  from  the  district  they  had  overrun.  Lord  Cornwallis, 
on  the  pomt  of  embarking  for  Europe,  was  countermanded  into 
Jersey,  to  take  command  of  the  army,  and  drive  back  the  Amer- 
icans beyond  the  Delaware.  Howe  followed,  with  all  the  rein- 
forcements he  could  with  safety  draw  from  New  York. 

From  these  preparations  of  the  British,  it  will  be  apparent,  that 
the  renewed  zeal  and  alacrity  of  the  militia  (which  had  lain  dor- 
mant when  most  needed),  drew  Washington  into  a  serious  di- 
lemma. Anxio)]s  to  give  their  courage  scope  whilst  at  its  height, 
he  had  thrown  himself  into  the  province,  with  intent  to  follow  up 
the  victory  at  Trenton  ;  but  through  the  activity  of  Howe  and 
Cornwallis,  and  the  strength  of  the  reinforcements  they  brought, 
he  stood  exposed  to  a  highly  disciplined  enemy,  superior  in  num- 
bers, in  front,  and  the  broad  river  in  his  rear,  over  which  hasty 
retreat  was  impossible. 

After  skirmishing  on  the  road  between  Trenton  and  Princeton, 
he  found  himself,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  second  of  January,  ob- 
liged to  retreat  into  the  former-named  town  (the  scene  of  the  re- 
cent engagement).     The  best,  and   indeed,  only  tolerable  posi- 


250  JASPER    CROWE. 

tion,  was  ihe  eastern  bank  of  the  Assanpink  creek,  a  small  stream, 
which,  aficr  turning  a  mill-wheel,  flows  under  a  bridge,  and  loses 
its  waters  in  the  Delaware.  The  eastern  bank  presents  a  per- 
pendicular rise  of  some  fifteen  feet,  with  a  level  surface  above; 
the  opposite  maroin  is  a  continuation  of  marshy  meadow  ground. 
Seizing  and  fortifying  the  bridge  and  i he  njill,  wiiich  proicctcd 
his  left  flank,  Washington  planied  artillery  along  the  bluff,  with 
full  command  of  the  low  meadows  opposite.  Occupymg  this 
position,  he  awaited  tlie  attack  of  Cornwallis,  and  a  severe  can- 
nonading commenced,  and  lasted  till  after  dark.  The  river  was 
but  a  shallow  fordable  stream,  and  it  were  an  easy  affair  for  the 
British  to  cross  higher  up,  and  turn  his  right  flank.  Sir  William 
Erskine  proposed  to  Cornwallis  that  this  movement  shouM  be 
effected  wiihout  delay  ;  but  his  lordship  replied,  that  the  men 
were  excessively  faiigued ;  the  Anierican  general  was  in  toils 
from  which  he  could  not  escape,  and  after  a  few  hours'  rest,  he 
would  be  easily  beaten  on  the  morrow.  '*  If  Washington  is  the 
man  I  take  him  lo  be,"  rejoined  Erskine,  "  we  shall  not  find  him 
here  on  the  morrow." 

The  event  justified  Erskine's  sagacity.  The  American  camp- 
fires  were  lighted,  the  sentinels  relieved  and  paraded,  and  there 
was  every  appearance  that  the  troops  were  bivouacking.  Ii  was 
agreed  in  council,  in  the  patriot  army,  that  the  heavy  baggage 
should  march  toward  Burlmgion,  tlie  guards  remain  on  the  field 
till  day-break,  whilst  the  main  corps  retreated  in  silence  and  in 
darkness. 

By  midnight,  the  baggage  was  far  on  its  march,  its  removal  un- 
heard by  the  Biitish  ;  ilie  ground  being  soft  and  ihe  wind  blow- 
ing from  the  south,  having  induced  a  partial  thaw.  Renewing 
the  camp-fires,  and  leaving  guards  at  the  biidge  and  other  passes 
on  the  stream  above,  the  army  commenced  its  retreat,  A  sud- 
den change  of  wind  to  northward,  refroze  the  ground,  and  facili- 
tated the  march  of  the  troops  over  the  clayey  roads. 

To  avoid  the  appearance  of  retreat,  which  would  have  depres- 
sed the  spirits  of  the  iniliiia,  Washington  determined  on  a  cncui- 
tous  march  to  Princeton,  with  intent  to  fall  on  the  rear  of  the 
British  army,  which,  he  had  been  informed  the  same  evening,  by 
the  ftithful  (Jirard,  lay  ihere  encamped. 

The  general  reached  the  town  by  sunrise,  and  found  three  regi- 
ments of  British  infantry,  two  of  which,  under  command  of  Co- 
lonel Mawhood,  were  already  on  the  march.  They  made  a  most 
desperate  resistance,  which  extorted  the  adiniralion  and  respect 
of  Washington,  but  the  gallant  colonel,  with  the  entire  American 
army  in  his  front,  was  obliged  to  retreat;  he  fled  toward  the  di- 
vision tuidcr  Cornwallis.  'J'he-  remaining  regiment,  which  occu- 
pied qtiaricrs  in  Princeton,  retreated  hastily,  and  the  Americans 
entered  the  town.  Three  hundred  prisoners  were  the  fruits  of 
this  surprise,  in  addition  to  several  hundred  more  slain  in  the  en- 
gagement.    To  bring  our  military  illustration  to  a  close,  though 


JASPER    CROWE. 


251 


rather  out  of  order  in  point  of  time,  we  may  add,  thai  Cornwallis, 
on  finding,  in  the  monimg,  the  Americans  flown,  was  so  much 
alarined  for  the  safely  of  fSevv  Brunswi(k,  where  he  had  left  the 
military  chest  and  stores  of  every  description,  that  he  marched 
ihitlier  with  all  speed.  It  was,  indeed,  Washington's  intention, 
when  he  moved  from  Trenton,  to  tiave  pushed  on  to  Brunswick  ; 
but  the  harassed  stale  of  his  troops,  many  of  whom  had  had  no 
rest  for  two  nights  and  a  day,  joined  to  the  danger  of  losing  ad- 
vantage gained  by  aiming  at  too  much,  induced  him,  with  the  ad- 
vice of  his  officers,  to  reluiquish  the  attempt. 

To  return  to  Girard.  Though  strictly  forbidden  by  Jasper 
Crowe  to  risk  entering  the  British  lines,  he  had,  nevertheless, 
with  his  usual  temerity,  returned  to  the  neighbourhood  of  Prince- 
ton, and  from  inhabitants  on  the  roadside,  as  wt-U  as  from  parlies 
within  the  town,  succeeded  in  tracking  Franz  thither,  and  learn- 
ing that  he  still  sojourned  in  company  with  the  suttler.  Of  Mary 
he  could  gather  no  tidings. 

Pursuit  of  this  object  enabled  the  spy  to  afford  very  accurate 
information  to  the  cotnmander-in-chief ;  and  he  gained  credit  for 
diligence  and  love  of  his  adopted  country,  which,  in  truth,  should 
have  been  attributed  to  love  of  one  of  his  adopted  country's  fair 
daughters.  However,  we  must  not  look  loo  closely  at  motives, 
which  at  most,  can  only  be  imperfecily  known. 

During  the  short  occupaiion  of  Prmceton — which  did  not  ex- 
lend  beyond  two  hours — (iirard  made  the  best  use  of  time.  He 
discovered  the  lodging  of  Franz,  and  was  fortunate  enough  to 
surprise  Diana  Grools.  During  the  engagement,  she  was  aban- 
doned by  the  Hessian,  who  fled  lo  New  I3runswick,  leaving  to 
her  fate  his  accomplice,  and  what  proved  more  fortunate,  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  stolen  booty.  Under  threat,  Diana  con- 
fessed, through  an  interpreter,  to  her  share  in  the  villanous  ex- 
ploit. For  Ivvo  days  they  succeeded  in  keeping  Mary  Crowe  a 
close  prisoner,  in  a  cottage  near  the  town,  through  ihe  mstru- 
mentahty  of  a  Hessian  surgeon,  to  whom  Franz  carried  a  letter 
from  Captain  Fagel.  The  surgeon  was  employed  in  tending  a 
barrack  hospital,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  was  the  cottage. 
On  the  evening  of  the  second  day,  watching  her  opportunity, 
whilst  Franz  was  in  the  town,  and  the  woman  was  in  the  hospi- 
tal— whitlier  she  went  daily — the  prisoner,  unable  to  force  the 
chamber  door,  broke  the  fiame  of  the  window-sash,  and  lowered 
herself  to  the  ground.  What  hecaine  of  her.  Diana  could  not  tell. 
On  return  from  the  hospital  she  found  Mary  fled,  and  the  Hessian 
in  a  lowering  rage,  cursing  his  victim,  his  partner  in  guili,  him- 
self, and  the  whole  world.  After  rage  had  cooled,  he  informed 
Diana  that  he  had  just  learned,  from  one  of  his  countrymen,  of  the 
death  of  Captain  Fagel,  and  he  was  afraid  that  if  the  surgf  on  did 
not  stand  his  friend,  he  should  have  no  evidence  to  prove  that  his 
absence  was  connived  at  by  the  captain  ;  he  had  nothing  to 
show  for  it,  but  the  letter  to  the  Hessian  surgeon,  and  as  the  af 


252 


JASPER    CiiOWE. 


fair,  altogether,  was  a  black  one,  and  ihe  principal  was  dead,  it 
was  more  ihaii  probable  that  liis  friend  would  deny  all  knowledge 
of  ihe  iransaclion,  and  leave  Franz  lo  the  doublefaie  of  a  deser- 
ter and  robber.  He  was  relurnnig  to  the  collage  with  inlcniion 
and  hope  of  making  a  comf)roniise  wiih  his  poor  victim,  by  set- 
ting her  free  on  condition  thai  the  affair  was  liushed  r.p,  when  he 
had  the  mortihcalion  lo  find  himself  foiled  by  her  unexpected  es- 
cape. The  best  chance  of  safely,  as  he  lold  his  accomplice, 
was  10  remove  into  the  town,  and  wail  ihe  opponunity  of  rejoin-ng 
the  shatiered  remnant  of  his  own  l)rigHde,  or  oiher  corps,  or  what- 
ever course  presented.  They  accordingly  took  the  lodgings  in 
which  Diana  was  discovered.  Franz  had  turned  out  to  aid  m  de- 
fending ijie  post,  and  dreading — as  his  partner  imagined  (for  she 
had  not  seen  him) — lo  fall  into  the  power  of  the  victors,  lied  with 
what  gold  he  boie  on  his  person,  into  safer  quariers. 

The  gallantry  of  Girard  would  not  permit  him  lo  act  v.'ilh  the 
severity  which  the  cainp-woman  deserved :  she  was  dismis- 
sed, with  a  litile  silver  coin;  and  the  Frenchman,  with  a  sorrow- 
ful heart,  and  more  than  two-thirds  of  the  stolen  gold,  returned  to 
head-quarters,  to  demand  leave  of  absence,  in  order  to  pursue  the 
invesiination,  and  trace  ihe  present  refuge,  or  faie,  of  poor  Mary. 

In  his  way  through  ihe  main  street,  near  the  college,  he  found 
his  skirts  in  the  grasp  of  some  one  who  tugged  violently,  Be- 
lieviiig,  at  the  instant,  that  an  attack  was  meditated  on  the  booty, 
he  turned  sharply  on  the  intruder  It  was  a  shoemaker,  with 
whom  he  had  a  slight  acquaintance,  and  who  requested  him  to 
step  wiihin  his  dwelling,  as  one  of  the  inmates,  on  seeing  him 
from  the  window,  testified  much  anxiety  for  an  interview. 

Great  was  the  surprise,  intense  the  delight,  on  beholding  Mary 
Crowe  !  On  her  escape,  she  had  claimed  the  proteclion  of  the 
tradesman,  and  been  received  into  his  family.  On  hearing  her 
sad  history,  he  judged  il  prudent  that  she  should  remain  a  while 
secluded,  the  town"  being  in  possession  of  the  British  and  Hes- 
sians. Though  ihe  Encrlish  generals  no  longer  permitted  the 
ravages  which  had  disgraced  the  arms,  and  injured  the  cause  of 
royally,  which  thoy  sought  to  establish;  ycl  it  was  very  proba- 
ble that  the  Hessian  ofBcer  who  had  assisted  Franz  in  keeping 
her  a  prisoner  in  the  cottage,  would,  if  he  knew  where  she  had 
taken  refuge,  make  an  attempt  lo  carry  her  away. 

This  reasoning  [)revailed,  and  Mary  staid  till  the  successful  at- 
tack on  Princeton  afiforded  her — more  than  she  ever  dreamed  of 
— llie  presence  of  her  friend  and  lover. 

Having  obtained  the  permission  from  head-quarters  asked  for, 
Girard  returned  to  the  shoemaker's,  ind  leaving  with  him  a  gra- 
tuity which,  he  trusted,  Master  Jasper  woidd  not  begrudge,  he 
departed  with  the  little  Mary,  in  a  wagon,  by  a  circuitous  route 
throui-h  Sandtown)  to  her  own  home. 

It  was  not  till  after  dark  that  Girard  ariivcd,  with  his  fair 
charge,  at  the  miser's  residence. 


JASPER    CROWE,  253 

*'  Dere  !  go  in,  ]\Iary,  and  make  de  old  man  happie,"  cried  the 
Frenchman,  Jifiing  the  maiden  from  the  wagon,  "and  1  will 
put  de  horse  in  de  stable." 

To  avoid  being  present  at  the  meeting  between  father  and 
daughter,  he  sent  Mary,  as  herald  of  her  own  escape  and  restora- 
tion. The  same  motive  induced  him  to  linger  over  the  olfices  of 
the  stable,  lillJasper  himself  canoe  in  search. 

"  Come  into  the  house,  Mr.  Girard,"  exclaimed  the  miser, 
grasping  the  Frenchman's  hand  ;  "come  into  the  house  !  It  will 
do  me  good  to  look  at  your  honest  face." 

Girard  felt  the  old  n)an's  hand  tremble.  The  lantern  which  the 
latter  carried,  betrayed  his  furrowed  cheeks  wet  with  tears;  his 
utterance  was  thick  and  indistinct. 

On  the  hearth,  in  Jasper's  chamber,  was  kindled  a  glorious 
fire,  such  as  liad  not  been  seen  in  the  house  for  many  a  year, 
thourrh  as  yet,  it  was  only  in  embryo.  A  few  smouldering  slicks 
satisfied  the  exigeticics  of  the  miser's  lone  vigil ;  but  on  the  joy- 
ful and  unexpected  return  of  his  daughter,  a  huge  pile  of  fuel 
was  heaped  over  the  decaying  embers,  and  flame  began  to  shoot 
through  the  mass.  During  her  father's  journey  to  the  stable, 
Mary  spent  the  interval  in  several  trips  to  the  store-room  above, 
and  the  result  was  a  well-furnished  supper  board. 

"Empty  glasses,  Mary  !  how  is  this?"  cried  Jasper,  his  eye 
glancing  the  while  over  the  table  ;  "the  air  is  chilly  for  an  old 
man,  and  even  Mr.  Girard's  hand  is  cold. 

It  is  true,  the  glasses  were  empty,  and  so  was  the  pitcher.  The 
old  man  was  in  such  excellent  spirits  and  temper,  that  his  daugh- 
ter, afraid  to  hazard  a  reverse,  by  a  display  of  hospitality  wliich 
might  awaken  his  dormant  avarice  and  moroseness,  wise]}'  left 
choice  of  beverage  to  Jasper. 

"  There  is  the  old  ale.  Father  ;  will  you  have  that  warm,  with 
spice  ? 

"  Ale  !"  exclaimed  Jasper,  "  hang  ale  !  have  I  no  Bursundv 
left?"  ^    >  o  o       y 

Mary  uttered  no  reply,  but  went  in  quest  of  the  wine.  Per- 
haps a  consideration  of  his  extravagance  caused  an  inward  twinge, 
for  scarcely  had  she  left  the  chamber  ere  he  attempted  to  call  her 
back  ;  fortunately  for  the  honour  of  his  nascent  hospitality,  she 
was  out  of  hearing. 

"It  was  a  good  thought  of  Mary's,"  he  remarked,  turning  to 
Girard  ;  "  spiced  ale,  on  a  winter's  night,  is  better  than  cold 
wine." 

"  Has  Mary  told  you  of  de  gold  I  did  rescue  ?"  demanded 
Girard,  who  saw  how  matters  were  going,  and  was  anxious  to 
retain  the  old  man  in  good  humour. 

"Gold?  no!"  cried  Jasper,  starting  from  his  chair;  "she  said 
the  rascal  fled  to  Brunswick  before  your  friends  entered  Prince- 
ton. Where  did  you  get  it  ?  How  much  have  you  ?  The  silly 
wench  said  nothing  about  the  money,  and  I  gave  it  up  for  lost." 

"  Den  feel  here,"  cried  Girard,   displaying  the  exterior  of  one 


254  JASPER    CROWE. 

of  llie  large  pockets  of  his  overcoat,  and  compressing,  with  his 
hands,  tlie  ctin  into  a  lieap. 

Jasper's  eyes  sparkled  with  delight,  as  his  fingers  felt  the  shape 
of  the  gold  pieces. 

'•'  Broad  and  thin,  I  know  them  ;  th.ey  are  my  own  bright  dou- 
bloons !" 

"  Now  de  oder  side,"  said  the  Frenchman,  displaying  the  bulk 
of  the  opposite  pocket,  which  was  equally  well  lined. 

"  Mercy  !  mercy  !"  cried    Jasper,  there  must  be .     How 

much  money,  Mr.  Girard,  do  you  imagine  is  here?" 

*'  I.  did  never  count  it,"  replied  the  other,  "  der  may  be,  in  dc 
two  pockets,  perhaps,  vun  gal-Ion.     I  did  fear  dey  vud  break." 

At  this  instant,  Mary  returned  with  the  wine,  and  Jasper  com- 
menced a  sharp  fire  of  invective  for  her  utter  heedlessness  in  not 
acquainting  him  with  Mr.  Girard's  recovery  of  the  stolen  gold. 
She  had  no  objection,  he  affirmed,  to  fine  dress  and  good  living 
(neither  of  which,  by  the  bye,  poor  Mary  had  ever  experienced), 
but,  like  her  sex,  knew  not,  nor  cared  not,  whence  came  the 
means  of  procuring  ihem.  Perhaps,  coniin\]ed  the  old  man,  in 
his  testinesss,  she  deemed  her  own  return  to  home  such  an  ines- 
timable blessing,  that  the  restoration  of  gold  were  not  worthy  a 
thought  in  comparison  ! 

"  Veil,  Mr.  Crowe,  1  did  bring  back  de  little  daughter,  and  de 
big  monie;  and  I  do  deserve  de  one  or  de  oder.  for  de  trouble. 
'•'  Vich  shall  I  have  for  mine  reward  ?" 

Clary's  face  and  neck  were  flushed  with  crimson  on  her  hear- 
ing this  bold  attack.  Jasper,  in  amazement,  looked  altcrnaiely  at 
the  Frenchman,  and  his  datighter.  The  latter  sei/ed  her  father's 
hand,  and  kissed  it,  the  tears  starling  to  her  eyes. 

"  Did  you  know  Mary  bcTore  she  was  carried  away?"  demand- 
ed Jasper,  with  a  shrewd  glance  at  the  Frenchman. 

Girard  confessed  an  affection,  which  he  trusted  was  mutual. 

The  old  man  declared  that  what  he  now  heard  explained  what 
to  him  had  proved  unaccountable — the  extreme  solicitude  of  Mr. 
Girard  for  the  recovery  of  Mary. 

"  But  supper  waits,"  he  added,  and  I  make  it  a  rule  to  sleep 
once  before  I  decide  on  any  matter  so  important  as  the  parting 
with  money,  or  the  alternative  you  propose,  Mr.  Girard." 

On  the  morrow,  after  along  conferrence  with  Mary,  he  inform- 
ed the  impatient  Frenchman,  that  as  he  was  now  growing  very 
aged,  he  was  not  insensible  to  the  aid  he  might  derive,  in  the 
management  of  his  afl'airs,  from  a  son-in-law  ;  nor  was  he  indif- 
ferent to  the  claims  of  one  who  had  behaved  so  honourably  as 
Girard.  But  there  was  an  obstacle  :  Although  he  himself  lived 
secluded,  perhaps  ignobly,  in  the  eyes  of  some  people,  yet  Mary 
was  descended  from  a  race  of  gentlemen  ;  and  i\Ir.  Girard's  oc- 
cupation, as  he  understood,  though  confidential,  was  far  from 
honourable  in  estimation  or  standing.     The  Frenchman  hastened 


JASPER    CROWE.  255 

to  remove  the  impediment  by  inquiring  if  objections  would  cease 
on  his  obtaining  from  General  Washington  a  commission  in  the 
continental  army,  to  which  lie  was  at  present  only  irregularly  at- 
tached. 

Ja«per  made  the  lovers  happy,  by  giving  his  assent  to  the  un- 
ion, on  the  condition  specified  by  Girard;  thelaiter  had  no  diffi- 
culiy  in  obtaining — what  his  important  service  well  entitled  him 
to — a  captain's  commission.  In  possession  of  this  rank,  he  was 
united  to  the  daughter  of  Jasper  Crowe  ;  and  from  the  obscure 
station  of  an  emigrant  barber,  found  himself  heir  apparent  to  a 
large  estate,  and — what  he  valued  infinitely  beyond  riches — guar- 
dian of  the  happiness  of  the  young  bride  committed  to  his  pro- 
tection. From  this  date  he  served  faithfully  and  zealously  the 
cause  to  which  he  was  attached,  though  we  hear  no  more  of  hair- 
breadth escapes,  nor  perilous  adventures,  v/ithin  the  enemy's 
lines. 

For  the  remaining  term  of  an  extended  life,  the  character  of 
Jasper  Crowe  underwent  but  slight  change.  He  hoarded  his  mo- 
ney and  effects,  and  denied  himself  the  comforts  of  existence, 
even  as  he  had  done  hitherto  ;  but  as  age  crept  over  him,  he  was 
forced  to  delegate  the  management  of  the  properly  to  his  son-in- 
lavv,  and  his  eccentricities  were  confined  within  a  narrow  and 
harmless  range. 

]\Iary,  by  exchanging  her  name,  had  no  I'eason  to  regret  her 
choice.  Her  sole  fear  of  the  future  arose  from  the  recklessness 
which  her  husband's  career  had  hitherto  exemplified;  but  she 
was  charmed  to  discover,  that  lier  persuasions,  joined  to  the  self- 
consideration,  which  the  possession  of  properly  and  station  im- 
parts, made  Francois  Girard  place  higher  value  on  his  life  than  be- 
fore marriage. 

For  the  term  of  two  months,  Count  Knipslatch,  attended  by  a 
German  nurse,  from  the  Hessian  head-quarters — an  allentiou 
which  he  owed  to  General  de  Heister — continued  an  inmate  of 
Jasper  Crowe's  domicile.  He  recovered  and  lived  to  return  to 
Germany.  No  change  occurred  in  his  superstitious  fancies,  or 
belief;  and  as  Girard — out  of  respect  to  Mary — did  not  divulge 
his  midnight  adventure  in  the  loft,  explanation  of  the  extraordi- 
nary phenomenon  was  never  afforded  the  Count.  His  familiar — 
as  he  always  affirmed — had  followed  him  even  to  the  regions  be- 
yond the  Atlantic.  When  his  assertions  were  doubted,  he  ap- 
pealed to  the  testimony  of  Jablonsky  and  Schulz,  who  both  sur- 
vived the  war,  and  they  could  not  deny  that  they  had  been  wit- 
nesses to  an  agency  inexplicable  and  mysterious. 

The  family  belief,  through  the  strange  occurrence,  has  gained 
rather  than  lost  strength,  and  remains  unimpaired  in  the  house 
of  Knipslatch,  as  we  presume,  even  in  the  present  enlightened 
century. 

As  Diana  Groots,  and  Franz,   were  never  again  heard  of  by 


25G  JASPER     CROWE. 

the  family  of  Jasper,  and  both  were  lost  sight  of  by  the  Hessian 
officers,  the  villany  of  Fagel  was  not  disclosed  till  mnny  years 
afterward.     His  premature  fate  was  cerlainlj^  not  undeserved- 


^     "F 


11   1 


m  K  E 


A  TALE  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 

:  Bv  JOHN  H.  MANCUR, 

Aiiil^.^r  of  '•'  Christine^' — "  The  Deserter,^'' — '♦  Henri  Quatrc  ;  or,  the  Days  of  the 
League,  <^c.,  <^-c, 
vrey  ss  the  title  of  No.  3  of  this  series,  which  improved  wiih  each  tale  issued.  1  he  book 
iJ  v  riniew  describes —in  a  style  which  creates  breathless  inicre.st — the  perilous  adventures  which 
pel  a  New  Jersey  family  during  the  Revolution  Whilst  attention  is  rivetted  by  the  io;nance  of  the 
jideiits,  toe  imagination  of  the  reader  is  dejighled  with  the  touches  of  poe.try  and  eloquence  with 
lich  I  ^  work  aiiounds." — N.    Y.  Plclieiart. 

"  Thi.  :^  c^  titrilling  narrative  of  the  dangers  which  environed  two  sisters,  while  their  native  pro- 
K  \   '      .  Jersey,  was  in  the  hands  of  ttie  British  and  their  German  mercenaries.      It  is  a  lale  of 

intorost,  sustained  with  remarkable  power,  and  enlivened  by  a  style  which  letiects  the 

V  and  imagination.'' — ..V.  Y,  Trtlune, 

SiLATHIEL. 

\  STORY  OF  THE  PAST,  THE  PRESENT,  AND  THi  FUTURE. 

i:     T«s  Rkv;  GEORGE  OAOLY,  Author  of  "Life  and  Times  of  George  IV.,"  Ac 

One  volume,  ]2mo.,  stitched.     Price,  31 1  cents. 

vtraordinR.^y  story — the  production  of  a  great  man  of  genius— cannot  be  classed  with  any 

h".  w,  r!c.s  of  imagination  which  have  been  put  I'orth  in  these  times  so  fertile  in  romance  :  it  in 

fectly  original  in  the  general  conception,  as  well  as  in  its  spienJid  and  powerful  eloquence.     The 

Bt  striking  peculiarity  is  the  combination  of  lofty  thought,  expressed  in  a  style  which,  fur  its  richness, 

iuusness,  and  vigour,  is  almirst  unrivalled      Indeed  a  strain  so  exalted  could  not  be  judiciously 

d,  if  the  subject  were  tiot  far  above  those  which  are  usually  selected  for  works  of  fiction      But 

ere  the  story  is  that  of  a  being  supposed  to  be  under  th«  immediate  and  constant  infliction  oi 

Div-ne  wrath — driven  through  some  of  the  most  wonderful  scenes  and  situations  that  the  world 

produced — the  stately  and  sustained  dilution  of  this  work  corresponds  with  the  dignity  of  the 

sWl  is  truly  a  magnificent  fiction  ;  ii  is  the  tale  of  the  Wandering  Jew:  and  as  its  hero  is 
ong  life  and  to  much  variety  of  fortune,  his  story  is  of  the  destinies  of  naijons  as  well  as 
frtelings,  experiences,  and  sorrows.     The  story  commences  at  iliat.momerit  when  the  mo- 
rable  ^.:;-:-=e  was  pronounced  upon  the  Jew,  ^Tarry  thou  iill  I  comc.^     The  horrors  of  this  infliction, 
I  the  ii-erplicaWe  conviction  of  his  crime,  are  most  powerfully  depicted.     Then  come  the  more 
I'  ar.C'  iv  fji  visitations  of  the  earthquake  and  darkness  which  attended  the  crucifixion.      We  cannot, 
tempt  to  trace  the  progress  of  this  wild  and  wonderful  laio,  which,  from  its  manoer,  defies 
i'uin      If  abounds  in  descriptions  on  which  all  the  splendours  of  fancy  and  language  are 
I'tie  only  faults  which  can  be  attributed  to  it  proceed  from  the  unabated  loftiness  and  sweep- 
style  wnicii  is  continued  throughout.     It  is  true,  as  we. have  remarked  before,  that  this  is  consi»- 
t  with  ihe  elevntion  of  the  subject ;  but  we  could  almost  have  wished  for  occasional  parts  in  a  more 
iple,  sinf>t)ih,  and  easy  strain      It  is  astonishing  that,  without  the  relief  of  any  such  p.irts,  there  is 
hing  ti  c'/iiiplain  of  in  the  shape  of  ridiculous  pompousness  or  affectation.     The  most  obtrusive 
wbac::  :i,  the  impossibility  of  sympathising  with  the  adventures  of  one  who  suffers  to  fulfil  a  rurse, 
'  — '•        life,  stretched  on  the  rock  of  evil  fortune,  endures  for  centuries.     We  feel  with  Salathi«l 
oars  and  odd  :  and  at  the  close  of  the  usual  term  of  hunian  life  shut  our  hearts,  and  com- 
pering."— Boston  Spectator, 
I  !i      -  urk:  is  one  of  the  most  powerfully  written  and  brilliant  productions  of  it«  glftfJ  author,  and 
eals,  .-  in  a  mirror,  the  most  striking  images  of  events  of  former  times.     The  h»?ri>  is  ihat  scoffer 
;he  y  '  iour  who  is  supposed  to  be  doomed  to  a  preternatural  existence,  wandering  from  clime  to 
tie,  tf  ■  isred  by  the  undying  memory  of  guilt ;  in  short,  the  Wandering  Jew,  the  hero  of  t:>any  ialeg 
I  poei  3   but  of  no  work  so  thrilling  as  the  one  before  us." — Boston  Paper. 

'in  S'  u'i  of  the  close  print  and  fine  type,  which  oppresses  the  eye,  we  read  these  pages,  and  dwelt 
h  str:-,r.g',-,  indefinite  emotions  upon  the  philosophic?,!,  highly  wrought,  an«J  well-told  »  Story  of 
Exi;"  whose  path  has  for  a  thousand  years  been  m  the  brier  and  the  thorn.'  A  work  of  great 
vet  ar;  \  imagination,  though  imbued  somewhat  too  strongly  vuiih  wild,  mysterious  romance  to  po«- 
s  any  of  the  claims  to  reality  which  would  be  likely  to  convey  impressions  of  profit  or  utility.  This 
I  ulili'nrian  age,  and  we  think  the  higher  and  better  of  the  writer  who  keeps  that  |»oint  in  view;- 
n  amid  his  wild  dreams  or  strange  vHj^auee."—  Pliiiadelphia  Saturday  Museum. 
'  Thii*  is  a  thrilling  narrative  of  the  wandering  Jew,  \viio  has  appeared  in  Europe  from  time  to  tima 
irlg  'he  last  thousand  years — &  mysterious  individual — a  soji)urner  in  all  lands,  yet  a  citizen  in 
le.  Many  histories  have  been  invented  for  him,  some  purely  fictitious,  others  founded  on  ili-un^ 
■toQ($  records  ;  bat  the  present  work  has  the  supreme  merit  of  truth.  It  will  richly  repay  a  peru^- 
"•—•I'hiUtdeJfhia  Mercury  and  Evewng  Jourmil. 


chk; 


BLI  CATIONS 


LYF^n. 


..  .-.  aAGUE-SlKKET,  NKW  \<}\: 
,wtP-  »,>rk>«.  I7  the  mo<it  ;>'.;.>. la- 


lit: 


i^'^.I^« 


A  Till  Oi^  THE  M^mm. 

1^  By  JOHN  ft.  MA  •• 

fitinri  Qiiatfc  ;   or,  The  Dp; 
"  TLiisii.'l.t:.iwdi    tide  is  by  t!  '  'i  autLnr  ui -Ih^n^Uj     .^.  ur'I 

the  Leaeue,    which,   until  th>w.  ■  nlly  3ttrlbut«,^\to  Mr  James. 

.:.il  ♦©find  thai  such  a  wtiier  i.  ,r  has  tumei)    !•..■    iHeniL-fi  t.  i 

of  our  iriumiihant  Rftoluiii>,i.  Ti»«  .st«^nd  of  the  ule  !■ 
nciilrnts  occur  about  the  pe'.iod  of  »he  battle  fi)U:iht  iv 
>•        -icral  Sullivan,  and  the  Hessian  mercrnarics  ot  »-     . 
y  Sir  W.  Howe.     TbelocaliMes  nf  Long  Islanij,  am. 
am  «le8crit)f(l  with  graphic  accuracy,  in  a  siyl*"  as  t 
i-^   n;arm  of  fine  wniing  is  ease,  and  n>">  strorH-  '  •■  ■<  .r.,.,. 
orks  of  Irrino  and  S,coit,  of  whom  the  author  " 
ifKkrstand  thai  this  tale  is  to  be  fniltv  ed  up  hy  ; 

.ri   the  Revolution,   and  we  are  fjlad   th.t      ■-  -  i..  .<«. 

:  of  our  youth,  in  so  (deasing  a  manner.  ' 
lie  scene  of  chis  hiohly  interesting  roman 
■^  nk  that  has  yet  attempted  to  delineate     'u 
crrrn*!   in  ary    part  of  nur  country  do'  h 


Days 
We 


I,.  »r^d  t«  thC'Sn'ij 


l.ttlr 


^1: 


ff^aT    if  our  troops,  the 
,  amid  scenes  - 
General  \Va 
.V,   and  effect  e. 
hii  r.'  )t  been  lost  or 


:>,  Uere  related,  and  its  perusal  will  repay  the  Unne  deVotpd  to  it." — i#f^' 

iHE  DESERTEfii 

LEGEND  OF  MOUNT  WASHINGTON- 


•W  of  "Chr.stine:'  -  -^ — 
League"  JfC.  4<-  <^, 


.r's 

livfly  and   insirucliv.-  'r,\!c«  of 

■   i!;  ■ 

tact 

are  heauifuilv   blt-.n.led  with  a 

love 

.1  W*.SRiNGTOs  cnvtroMfd    vnh  0  j' 

^iOr,. 

III 

and  firmness  cmild  h!i\ 

nen 

il  was  thrt-aiened  by  1: 

r.-„ 

v,:.,P„,    .rr  ..-.n.-flhe    • 

•3  are  dcicf  itie'j 

^S  iCll    tliiitll 

16  :;JfclUj 

ical  doconwiii!'.  the  use  > 

>.f  wbi«t 

jihor      Our  only  obj.-ciion  to  ihi 

.ippeurs  to  he 

the  inlfiiii 

lun  of  th 

lie,  *;  Christine,'"  haNinc 

liren  em 

.v/ 

— Ill  .,  ■  ;i,rtiiM  e  phrasroioj^y — " 

to  bear  fioi 

1.  ).im  tb 

'  A.  4BBfnMRtMZ 

«-»4»4MM 

isiynn 

^B 

sillHSli^ 

bsnh 

WKm 

Binder 

Gaylord  Bros.,  Inc. 

Makers 
Stockton,  Calif. 

PAT.  IAN.  21.  1908 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed- 

Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


90cr62WAr 


^■-REC'D-iXb 


Mft^Af^.  3  bl9E3 


subyect  to  recan  sher-^ 


^m^  i'r>  q?y 


BECTllD  ft^" 


,  1  ri  -i  \'^\  4  3 


LD  21A-50w-3,'62 

(C7097slO)476B 


General  Library 
University  of  California 
Berkeley 


